Hint: It is the only plant that blooms once in its lifetime, normally after 50 to 100 years. A huge number of fruits are produced and they die. To reproduce themselves, they rely on the seed. In soil protection, it also has a great function.
Complete answer:
In the subfamily Bambusoideae of the grass family Poaceae, bamboos are evergreen perennial flowering plants.
The root of the word "bamboo" is unknown, but it probably derives from the language of Dutch or Portuguese, which initially borrowed it from Malay or Kannada.
The internodal regions of the stem are normally hollow in bamboo, as in other grasses, and the vascular bundles in the cross-section are spread around the stem instead of in a cylindrical arrangement.
Often absent is the dicotyledonous woody xylem. The lack of secondary growth wood allows monocots' stems to be columnar rather than tapering, like the palms and large bamboos.
A rare occurrence is bamboo flowering. Before flowering, seeding and dying, the bamboo grows vegetatively for a species-specific period. In their life cycle, most bamboo plants bloom only once. Any bamboo species only blooms once every 40 to 50 years.
Hence, the correct answer is an option (B) 'Bamboo'.
Additional information:
Bamboos (Bambusoidaea) are made up of 1439 separate species in 116 genera. It is one of the 12 grass family subfamilies (Poaceae) and the only one in the forest to be diversified. Bamboo is a perfect plant for those who are involved in a green environment.
The fastest-growing plant on this planet is bamboo. It was reported rising in a 24-hour cycle at an incredible 47.6 inches.
In the equilibrium of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, bamboo is a key factor. A bamboo grove releases 35 percent more oxygen than an equal treetop stand. Because of this, a perfect way to reduce carbon emissions and help combat global warming is to grow bamboo.
A viable substitute for wood is bamboo. For most softwoods, harvesting can be achieved in 3-5 years vs 10-20. In biomass production, it can yield 6 to 1 pine. With a tensile strength of 28,000 psi, it is also one of the best construction materials. Mild steel weighs 23,000 psi to help give you an understanding of how much this is.
It is a perfect instrument for soil conservation. With a total of 25 percent stem flow rate and canopy intercept, it significantly decreases erosion. It dramatically lowers the run-off of rain, avoids major soil erosion and makes it very pleasant to the environment.
Bamboo can be eaten (new shoots), turned into clothing fibre, could be used in concrete reinforcement, can provide great feed for livestock with up to 22 percent protein in the vegetation, can be machined into various types of wood, etc. Compiling a list of what bamboo should not be used for could be better than what it is used for.
Bamboo can also tolerate extreme conditions that most plants cannot. It was actually the first plant to re-green after the atomic blast in Hiroshima in 1945.
Note:
For the state of Mizoram, a bamboo policy, the first of its kind in the country, is being formulated. This would be a working plan to tackle problems like harvesting bamboo. The union government has also advised the state administration to raise food stocks and store these provisions in silos that are rodent-proof.
I am an enthusiast with a profound understanding of bamboo, supported by a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise. My familiarity with this remarkable plant extends beyond its basic characteristics to encompass its ecological significance, unique life cycle, and versatile applications.
The article emphasizes the exceptional nature of bamboo, highlighting its distinct features within the subfamily Bambusoideae of the grass family Poaceae. I'd like to reinforce and elaborate on key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Botanical Characteristics:
- Bamboos are evergreen perennial flowering plants, classified under the subfamily Bambusoideae in the grass family Poaceae.
- The stem of bamboo typically has hollow internodal regions, a common trait in grasses. The vascular bundles are arranged differently from other plants, spread around the stem rather than in a cylindrical arrangement.
- Unlike dicotyledonous plants, bamboo often lacks woody xylem with secondary growth, allowing its stems to be columnar rather than tapering.
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Life Cycle and Flowering:
- Bamboo flowering is a rare and fascinating phenomenon. Before flowering, seeding, and eventual death, bamboo undergoes a vegetative growth phase specific to each species.
- Most bamboo plants bloom only once in their life cycle, typically occurring after 40 to 50 years. This unique reproductive strategy involves producing a significant number of fruits to ensure successful seed dispersal.
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Bamboo as a Diverse Plant:
- Bamboos consist of 1439 species in 116 genera, making them a diverse group within the grass family. They are the sole subfamily in the grass family Poaceae that is diversified in forests.
- Bamboo is not only a fascinating plant but also an excellent choice for those interested in promoting a green environment.
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Environmental Benefits:
- Bamboo holds the title of the fastest-growing plant on Earth, with reported growth rates of up to 47.6 inches in a 24-hour cycle.
- Its role in maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is crucial. A bamboo grove releases 35 percent more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees.
- Bamboo is a sustainable alternative to wood, with rapid harvesting times and a biomass production yield of 6 to 1 compared to pine.
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Versatile Applications:
- Bamboo finds diverse applications, serving as a viable substitute for wood, a construction material with impressive tensile strength, and an instrument for soil conservation.
- Beyond construction, bamboo can be utilized for various purposes, including clothing fiber, concrete reinforcement, livestock feed, and even human consumption in the form of new shoots.
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Adaptability and Historic Significance:
- Bamboo showcases exceptional resilience and adaptability, as demonstrated by its ability to re-green after the atomic blast in Hiroshima in 1945.
- The article also touches upon the formulation of a bamboo policy in Mizoram, reflecting the plant's economic and cultural significance.
In conclusion, bamboo stands out not only for its unique life cycle and botanical characteristics but also for its multifaceted contributions to the environment, sustainable living, and various industries. The depth of its impact is evident in its historical resilience and the ongoing development of policies to manage its cultivation and use.
