Why can bamboo grow so quickly?
Moso bamboo is a giant woody grass whose new shoots can reach great height in a short period.
Structure, development and life cycle
Nodes and internodes are preformed underground, then cells elongate rapidly in spring using resources stored by the rhizome network. Branches and leaves expand after the culm nears full height, but it does not thicken annually like a tree trunk. Underground rhizomes can send shoots far away. Bamboo species differ greatly in speed and spread.
Growing, uses and cautions
Running species can invade neighboring ground without a proper rhizome barrier and regular shoot control. Barrier joints and upper edges require inspection; thin plastic alone may fail. Water and nutrients support rapid growth, but waterlogging harms roots. Local invasive-species rules and mature size should be checked before planting.