Bamboos are a group of perennial evergreen plants belonging to the Poaceae family and the Bambusoideae subfamily. They are often referred to as the "grass trees" as their structure resembles that of trees despite being classified as grasses. With over 1,500 species native to diverse habitats across the world, cane exhibit remarkable diversity and are among the fastest-growing plant species.

Classification and Distribution

Cane are mainly classified into two subfamilies - Bambusoideae and Olyreae. The former accounts for around 95% of all bamboo species and is distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, America, Africa and Australia. The most diverse cane belong to the genera Bambusa and Dendrocalamus found in South and Southeast Asia. Some common temperate bamboo species include Phyllostachys and Pleioblastus from Japan and China.

Unique Growth Pattern

Unlike other grasses, Bamboos have a unique growth habit involving periodic mass flowering and subsequent death after seeding. This typically occurs over a span of 20-120 years depending on the species. During this period, the bamboo actively grows via rhizomes and culms for 2-3 years before flowering. After seeding, the entire plant dies to make way for a new generation from seeds. This trait has led to cane being labelled as "natural catastrophes" that drastically transform landscapes.

Versatile Uses of Bamboos

Given their wide availability, fast growth rate and versatility, cane are utilized for various purposes across the globe. Construction has been one of the primary uses with bamboo structures, scaffolds and buildings widely employed in many Asian countries. Their lightness and strength also make cane suitable for making musical instruments, tools, handicrafts, furniture and handicrafts. As a versatile biomass, cane are also used to manufacture paper, charcoal, fabric and fuel. Many culinary preparations rely on young bamboo shoots that are rich in nutrients.

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