Bamboo was once largely unknown in the United States since it primarily grows in tropical climates. But with globalization and an increase in trade, you can now find everything from bamboo curtains to bamboo clothing in the U.S. How much do you know about this strange plant and how it is used? Here are six weird and wacky facts to boost your knowledge.
1. There are many species of bamboo.
There are actually thousands of species of bamboo found around the world. The largest ones grow in China and Japan, but there are smaller, clumping species that grow in tropical climates like that of Hawaii and the Bahamas. Bamboo species vary in color, size, and growth rate.
2. Bamboo is a high-performance clothing material.
Clothes made from bamboo? It sounds strange, but bamboo is actually a great material for outdoor clothing, especially. Companies like Free Fly Clothing use it to make lightweight clothing that breathes well and is perfect for hiking. Bamboo is hypoallergenic and is also an eco-friendly alternative to cotton, which requires a lot of pesticides to grow. Bamboo also resists bacterial growth, making bamboo clothing a good choice for anyone who is prone to body acne.
3. Young bamboo can be eaten.
Bamboo is not just food for panda bears! Humans can actually eat young, tender bamboo shoots. They're common in Asian cuisine, and they are tasty when pickled or cooked in a stir-fry. Bamboo is a great source of potassium and dietary fiber.
4. Bamboo was once used as paper.
Paper, as it is known today, is a relatively new invention. Before wood-based paper was invented, the Chinese used thin pieces of bamboo to write on. The bamboo strips were lightweight and easy to transport from place to place as a sort of mail.
5. Bamboo grows fast.
There are some species of bamboo in the genera Bambusa that can grow more than 35 inches per day. This is so fast that if you watch carefully, you may even be able to see the bamboo grow. Unfortunately, most of this fast-growing bamboo is from China. The varieties you see in warm climates in the U.S. grow more slowly.
6. Growing bamboo is good for the planet.
Farming bamboo for use in clothing and other materials is actually good for the earth! The plants release a lot of oxygen, which humans and animals need for breathing. They also absorb greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide.
