GREEN MATTERS
Fascinating world of bamboo
|
From ornamental to medicinal use to culinary contributions, bamboo is distinct for its breathtaking variety, writes Swathi.V
|
Wonderwood: One of the sites of bamboo cultivation sponsored by the Department of Horticulture under its National Bamboo Mission.
From far, it could have the appearance of a gigantic clutch of reeds shooting up to reach the skies. Upon closing in, one may realise that it is just a clump of stocks growing together, nevertheless to reach the skies. That is bamboo for you in all its thousands of sub-species, though not all aim for sky.
Among all the woody stemmed plants in the world, bamboos are the fastest growing, with a growth of up to 60 centimetres in a day. They are of high economic significance in East and South East Asia for their use in construction, as a culinary ingredient, and for gardening.
“During early monsoons, bamboos grow so fast that it is said one can see them growing inch by inch. It is also said that wild animals do not sleep on the bamboo clump lest they should be pierced through by the shooting bamboo,” says M. M. Hussain from Plants Land Nursery.
Sub-species
Arundinaria, Bambusa, Dendrocalamus and Phyllostachys are a few well known genera in the Bamboo family. Dendrocalamus giganteus or giant bamboo is the largest in the world of bamboos. It is very thick and grows to a height of over 30 metres. Phyllostachys sulphurea is in golden hue, while another sub-species nigra is black in colour. There are a few variegated ones too such as Bambusa vulgaris, while Bambusa ventricosa or Buddha’s Belly is marked by convex sections between two nodes. Ventricosa has many new variegated and dwarf varieties to it.
Dendrocalamus strictus is the most commonly grown green bamboo, used for multiple purposes and mostly cultivated for commercial use. Sasa tessellate and Sasa fortunei are notable among the dwarf bamboos. Phyllostachys aurea is another dwarf which grows up to a height of six to ten feet and extensively used for ornamentation.
According to an officer from Buddha Purnima Project , two varieties Bambusa arundinacea and Dendrocalamus strictus are common in Andhra Pradesh forests. Forests in Assam have very many kinds while those in Kerala too boast quite a few.
“Bamboos are suitable to Hyderabad because they do not require much space. Their roots are not deep. Smaller bamboos can be trained as topiaries,” the officer says. He favours black bamboo, Buddha’s Belly, and variegated ones for household planting, as they do not cause congestion.
“Bamboos can be multiplied through cuttings, off-shoots and also seeds. They need humus and large amounts of water. One can add generous doses of leaf mould and manure to the soil. By virtue of their root structure, bamboos can help avoid soil erosion if grown as hedge,” says Mr. Hussain. They work wonders with soil erosion if planted beside lake and river bunds, he says.
However, it is better to avoid bamboos near ornamental water bodies, as they shed loads of leaves in winter.
Clumps should be dressed quite often to keep them clean and retain the shape and size. Care should be taken to see that the water is not saline, and that the oldest culms are removed first from the clump while dressing.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Property Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
Kochi
Malabar
Thiruvananthapuram
