Types of Bamboo

Evergreen perennials, bamboos belong to the true grass family Poaceae, growing widely in most climatic diversified regions of the world; cold mountains to hot tropical regions. There are many varieties of bamboo plants; more than 70 genera divided into about 1,500 species. Although they belong to the grass family, they have woody stems, branched growth and are large as compared to other members of the family. The species vary in height with dwarf varieties just about 12 inches tall to enormous ones about 60 feet. The leaves are narrow and slender and their length in most cases depends upon the size of the bamboo plant. In some variegated species foliage and stems (canes) have different colors like burgundy, yellow or orange too.

Various Types of Bamboo Plants

Bamboo is the fastest growing known plant on earth capable of attaining full height and spread in a single growing season expanding over a period of 3-4 months. It has been of traditional importance in most Asian countries; both economically and culturally. Sturdy varieties are used as building materials and a raw product for many handicrafts, where certain species are highly valued food source (bamboo shoots). Primarily there are two types classified as per their growth patterns and habits:

• Clumping Bamboo: This is a slow grower and will grow in large clusters or clumps of culms (canes). Their root system of a single clump is a large rhizome that grows gradually and extensively, but stay close.
• Running Bamboo: Just as the name suggests, these are fast growers that spread widely and quickly making them invasive in nature. Varieties of this type can spread some 50-100 feet from the mother plant.

Clumping Bamboo	Running Bamboo
Chinese Mountain	Golden Grove
Umbrella	Kuma
Timor Black	Pygmy
Fountain	Arrow
White Dragon	Yellow Grove
Borinda	Pitt white
Silverstripe	Dwarf Fern Leaf
Candy Cane	Golden Square
Fountain	Dwarf Whitestripe

Both bamboos are used to beautify landscapes, they can be grown in ground or in large decorative pots and containers. There are plenty of popular varieties one can opt for depending upon their classification and use.

Bamboo planting and care begins with choosing the right bamboo. The right space and location will determine how well the plant grows. As bamboo is basically grass, it needs full sun to reach its potential, although shade loving varieties just need partial sun. While clumping types are easy to manage, make sure you have enough space for the running variety. Barricading their root spread is the easiest way to manage them.

Bamboo flowering is an interesting phenomenon. Most bamboo trees or plants flower and die, making way for new growth. However their flowering has resulted in many myths and legends about famine, death and destruction that follows flowering. There is another type of plant that many purchase as it helps to enhance home décor; the lucky bamboo, but contrary to the belief, it is not a real one but a member of the lily family. This plant with their interesting leaf patterns and stem colors will be an unusual addition to your garden.