Bamboo for emergency purposes

By Joseph Parish

The popular Bamboo tree is one of the members of a group of woody evergreen plants that are true representatives of the grass family known as Poaceae. Other famous members of this family include the giant bamboo. These plants are actually the largest members of these grass families. Bamboo tends to be one of the very fastest growing plants in the world. Their rapid growth rate can reach up to 3 to 4 feet per day. This equates to 1.5 to 2.0 inches per hour. This amazing growth is due to its unique rhizome system. All in all the growth is still dependent upon the local soil and climate conditions in the area where it is grown.

The Bamboo plants represent a huge economic significance in Asia where they are usually found extensively in personal garden areas, as building materials and as a source of food.

There are approximately 1,000 different species of bamboo. Although they are usually thought of as a warm weather plant they are found in many diverse climates ranging from very cold mountains to the extremely hot tropical regions.

As mentioned above Bamboo has been known to grow three inches or more per day. They flower yearly and in some cases their intervals have been as long as 120 years.

Bamboo is considered the fastest-growing plant found on Earth. Some plants have actually been clocked growing as fast as 47.6 inches in only a 24-hour period. Some have also been discovered that reach a maximal growth of 40 inches per hour although these growth rates are for short periods of time only.

Once a root system has been established for bamboo plants it is nearly impossible to get rid of them. In some cases particularly when referring to survivalist this may not be a bad idea. There are currently two popular methods used to contain the spreading bamboo plants. The first method that I would like to mention is that of rhizome pruning which involves removing the rhizomes which may escape from the particularly desired growing area. Normal pruning shears, a good shovel and several pickaxes are considered useful tools for accomplishing this particular task.

The second method used to control their growth is by containing the plant with some sort of physical barrier. The bamboo when contained in this manner will quickly become root bound.

An interesting thought for survivalists is that since bamboo is known to grow at a rapid rate one could plant a small groove of it in their back yard. This bamboo can be cut down as it grows taller and the cut pieces could be stored for firewood in the home fireplace.  Several people have done limited experiments in this area. They had bamboo growing in their yard and wanted to get rid of it. Of course since it is an evasive plant the only effective way to get rid of it is to burn it. One thing to keep in mind is that Bamboo is a segmented type of plant which has air spaces between the dividers. When it starts to get hot these air spaces expand and have a t4endancy to explode. When used in your wood burning stove you may wish to slice it side ways so as to open up the air pockets or you may even consider cutting it into much smaller dimensions in order to burn it safely.

Bamboo like any type of wood requires sufficient seasoning prior to use in a fireplace. It would seem to be an excellent item for burning inside but not outside. It burns a lot faster than pine does.

Another important aspect concerning bamboo is that it can be made into lots of things relating to survival such as pipes, defense tools and other similar items. In emergencies bamboo can be used as a food. Although further research is needed on this item I can see a great future in Bamboo for survival purposes.

Copyright @ 2008 Joseph Parish