The Versatility of Bamboo

Bamboo is often admired for it's great versatility.

Bamboo has been used since the beginning of time in thousands of different ways. The amazing versatility of this plant has made it easy to use in the manufacturing of acupuncture needles, kites, bridges, ships, violins, blowguns, windmills and many other innovative objects, both for art and every-day use.

In the tropical regions of the world, bamboo has been the center of the livelihood of many people. It's the fastest growing plant on the planet and has been reported in some areas to have the capability of growing up to a meter in a single day. Bamboo is a member of the grass family and the only one of a woody nature. Even though it is a member of the grass family it's not recommended to run over it with a lawnmower!

So what about it's uses? Well, the Asiatic region have been extracting all kinds of uses from bamboo. From decorative features such as mats and baskets to home features such as window blinds. Bamboo has played a great role in the clothing industry in this region used for making hats to garments and fashion jewelry. It's use as a food source is widely known through bamboo shoots which are also exported to western countries and considered a gourmet food in some.

Bamboo has played a vital role in the production of tools while as a hardwood floor, it has gained rapid popularity, particularly during the last ten years in western society.

How about comparing bamboo against other well known fabrics. Western culture adopted cotton as a fabric but compared to bamboo, it's use is limited. After all, you can't build fences from cotton as you can with bamboo. Acrylic proved to be machine washable but you cannot eat it while wool serves it's purpose well during the cold winter months but try producing a hardwood floor with it. Not likely.

Bamboo has been used since the beginning of time in thousands of different ways, from food preparation to food graters to flooring and furniture. It's natures Mr. Versatility of the plant world.