Wood Species: Bamboo

Scientific Name: The scientific name of this plant is, Fargesia murielae.

Trade Name: Trade name of the plant is, Bamboo.

Family Name: The Family name is, Gramineae.

Common Names: Most commonly referred to as Bamboo. However, since there are over one thousand different species, with many different names.

Regions of Distribution: Bamboo is normally found in monsoon forests and tropical regions. China, Japan and India are natural distribution regions for bamboo.

Countries of Distribution: China and India are the world's top producers of bamboo and bamboo distribution. However the US also grows bamboo primarily for distribution.

Appearance

Color: Color is typically light yellow or dark brown shades. Colors vary depending on manufacturers.

GRAIN: The grain of bamboo has a distinctive pattern and normally shows nodes from bamboo stalks.

There are variations within species and grades. Bamboo is available either horizontally or vertically laminated. Horizontal construction generally reveals nodes more clearly.


Properties

Hardness/Janka: Properties of bamboo consist of the following factors. Bamboo is a grass. Janka values vary depending on manufacturer and whether there is horizontal or vertical construction.

Dimensional stability: It is an engineered construction.

Origin: The origin of bamboo is Asia and the majority is made in China from the Moso species. Some bamboo flooring is made from various bamboo species found in countries such as Vietnam.

Availability: Bamboo is readily available.

Average and maximum lifespan: Bamboo has a perennial lifespan. Flowers bloom every three to four months. Bamboo plants typically survive anywhere from five to seven years, maximum being eight years.


Workability

Sawing/Machining: The workability of bamboo is based upon the following factors. Bamboo cuts easily with most tools.

Sanding: Due to its fibrous structure, bamboo should not be sanded against the grain or at a 45 degree angle to the grain. Lighter colors tend to show swirl marks and other sanding and finish imperfections.

Nailing: There are no known problems with nailing.

Finishing: All surface-type finishes have successfully been used with bamboo. Darker colors may reveal lap marks. Applying finish quickly around cut-in areas can minimize the appearance of lap marks. Filling is recommended.

Common Uses: Bamboo is commonly used in the manufacturing of numerous items. These items include furniture, musical instruments, paper, home construction, fencing and flooring. Bamboo is also used for bed sheets, clothing, curtains and other housewares. Additionally, bamboo has many medicinal and culinary uses.

Detailed Description

Plant habit and life style: The growth habit of bamboo is upright herbaceous.

Stems: Plant stems are usually a yellow shade and wooden-like. Sometimes they are brown in color.

Buds: From approximately October through May, bamboo plants grow underground in order to form new buds. The remainder of the year the plant grows above ground. Buds break their dormancy during these months thus creating newer, larger shoots.

Leaves: Leaves are flat and thin.

Flowers: Flowers bloom every spring and summer. Flowers grow in loose groups and they are purple/violet in color.

Fruits: Plants produce small, brown, dry fruits suitable for squirrels and small animals.

Habitat: Bamboo is a herbaceous plant that stays green during winter. Its growth habitat requires very little sun, however it has the ability to grow in direct sunlight.

Special Diagnostic Characters: Bamboo is a remarkable grass that has many different uses.
Special diagnostic characteristics of bamboo include its hollow stalks and the ability to grow at a very fast rate. The rapid growth of bamboo makes it difficult to regularly maintain and control. However, bamboo requires very little water in order to grow and for some that is appealing.  Bamboo is best known for its durability and strength.  Overall, bamboo is most likely the world's most sustainable resource.