Bamboo trees in Guwahati, Assam, India

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A plant for all occasions. Bamboo plant

When you think about reforestation, bamboo may not be the first thing that comes to mind. And it’s true, bamboo isn’t technically a tree — but planting and cultivating it is no less beneficial for people and the environment. Indeed, as the fastest-growing grass on the planet, bamboo has incredible potential as a sustainable resource. Its woody stem makes it very tree-like, yet it also has unique properties.

According to Guinness World Records, some species of bamboo can grow up to 2.91 ft/day. The plant is used for a great variety of purposes, especially in East and Southeast Asia. The seeds of some species are eaten as a grain, and the cooked young shoots of some bamboos are eaten as vegetables, especially in Chinese cuisines. The raw leaves are useful fodder for livestock. The pulped fibres of several bamboo species, especially Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa bambos, are used to make fine-quality paper. Bamboos are strong, flexible, and virtually fire-proof, and therefore they are an excellent choice for making household items and can be used even for construction purposes.

Here, in today’s picture, you are seeing bamboo plants in Guwahati, Assam. Though the plant is native to tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate climates and is most common in Asia and South America, it also grows in parts of Australia, Africa, and the southern United States.