Bamboo is a most interesting and unique plant. It will grow in any part of the world; yet it is noted for its own specific qualities in oriental countries such as Japan and China. In ancient times the master painters from these countries used the bamboo leaf and branch as their guiding shape and starting point in their artistic creations. This can be seen to this day in the funeral art memorials within the Mausoleums or burial places of the Rulers and Emperors of the Chinese dynasties going back as far as six thousand years.
In today's world bamboo is generally looked upon as a convenient shrub or tree that can be found in most landscape nurseries. Then what is known about the plant? It is from a family of grasses which have been in existence for over one hundred million years; it is also the fastest growing plant we know of. One species grows up to one meter high in twenty four hours. It rarely produces flowers; yet when it does it flowers all over the world at the same time regardless of the varying climates.
This plant is classified as an evergreen as its leaves generally last for two years. Since silicon is present in its leaves and stems its leaf litter is an excellent fertiliser and it produces leaves in abundance. Its leaves grow out from the joints in the stems; the finer stems are familiar to us as canes.
The joints in the stems are referred to as Culms and they have amazing strength, they are classified as much stronger than steel. It can and is used instead of steel reinforcing in the building trade or to support damaged buildings, also it is classed as precious if available in areas which have been devastated by earth quakes.
Bamboo will grow in a wide range of habitat as it is tolerant to extremes; it can be harvested every three to five years while western woods need about twenty years to mature. This must create a significant saving not only in freeing up fertile land to grow other crops but also it needs much less man power. The seeds are used to produce flour and the brewing of beer. In the medical arena it is of value in the treatment of asthma and coughs. Its range of colours makes it attractive in other areas; its culms are often seen in green, yellow, brown, coffee or patterned. In Japan a yellow/green bamboo hedge has been designated as a national treasure.
If China or Japan were to run out of fine animal hair to produce art paint brushes they only need to turn to bamboo as a replacement because it can be sliced so thinly that it is even finer than hair and is beautiful to paint with. This fineness makes it suitable to produce many commodities. An example of this is a computer case with matching mouse and mat, or a kitchen dish (illustrated) which has many uses in the home
Finally it is the prime food of the panda and it is said to have got its name in Malaya where sections are thrown into a fire to scare away evil spirits, the sounds emitted are heard as BANG-boo.
Looking at the strengths and power that is Bamboo it is not surprising that in earlier times artists and intellectuals credited bamboo as having great powers physically and also the gifts of tolerance benevolence and the ability to at all times meet the needs of nature and to be an inspiration to artists and artisans alike.
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