The Parts of a Bamboo Plant

Bamboo, a member of the grass family, is found in a range of climates and has around 1,600 species. Some varieties can grow as much as 4 feet in one day, making it the fastest growing plant in the world. Bamboo is also versatile in function, used to make paper, fabric, building material, medicine and musical instruments. New plant growth, called a shoot, is edible and is a common ingredient used in Asian and Indian cuisine.

Culms

The main stem of the bamboo plant is called the culm. It provides structural support for the branches and leaves and serves as the main transport vein for nutrients and water. The culm consists of solid segments called nodes that give the stem its strength. Between the nodes are hollow areas, or internodes, that provide flexibility. Together these nodes and internodes create a culm capable, in some species, of growing as high as 100 feet.

Branches

Bamboo branches form at the nodes of the culm. In the early stages of growth, they are covered by a protective sheath that will eventually become dry and fall away. These branches are thickest near the culm and decrease in diameter as they extend out.

Leaves

There are two types of leaves on a bamboo plant. The leaves that are attached to branches are called foliage leaves. The green blade of a new leaf will emerge from a leaf sheath that is wrapped around it for protection. Similarly, there are culm leaves, which attach at the nodes of the culm. These usually have a small blade and a large amount of sheath.

Rhizomes

Rhizomes are the underground stems of the bamboo plant. Along with the roots, they help store food, deliver water and nutrients, and attach the plant to the soil. Rhizomes will either be leptomorphs or pachymorphs. Leptomorph rhizomes have nodes and internodes and grow laterally out from the root. They will produce new buds that can either become a new shoot or another rhizome. Leptomorphs are usually associated with "running," a process that can create new growth that will continually spread if it is not controlled. Pachymorph rhizomes, however, will always turn upwards and produce another culm, resulting in "clumping" of the new shoots around the existing bamboo.

Roots

Under the soil, anchor roots and feeder roots will form from root buds attached to the rhizome nodes. Anchor roots are larger and create stability for the bamboo plant. Feeder roots, in contrast, are very small and fibrous. Their function is to absorb nutrients and water from the soil.

References

• Bamboo Plant Parts
• Master Garden Products