Bedazzled by Bamboo

Bamboo, a member of the grass family Poaceae, is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Its rapid growth, diverse varieties, remarkable carbon dioxide absorption, and oxygen release capabilities make it an environmental and landscape design champion. And it just looks cool.

By Eric Herman

I’ve long been fascinated by bamboo. It’s hard to say why exactly, but there’s something exotic and almost mysterious about it. From the time I first noticed it as a kid watching Gilligan’s Island and in person on the Jungle Boat ride at Disneyland, the pole-like plants that reach as high as tall trees and sway in the slightest breeze are intuitively captivating.

Aesthetically bamboo takes on different roles. I’ve seen thin Black Bamboo accent contemporary architectural structures, or towering stands reinforce the deep green of lush tropical settings. It’s the structural members of thatch huts and looks great with wicker furniture. I’ve even enjoyed tropical beverages out of a bamboo tumbler, with umbrella, of course. And, as discussed below, bamboo plays the leading role in the world of all things Tikki.

On a purely practical level bamboo’s stingy on water consumption, has remarkable strength, durability, and low maintenance, all further underscoring its multifaceted nature. With it’s watertight fibrous and hollow structure, it can even function as plumbing.

With all that in mind, let’s take a closer look at why bamboo is a plant of immense ecological, economic, and artistic importance.

Fast Growing

Probably more than any other characteristic, bamboo is renowned for its astonishing growth rate. Some species can grow up to 91 centimeters (about 35 inches) in a single day, under optimal conditions. If you ask a botanist why so fast, they will tell you that the rapid growth is primarily due to the plant’s unique rhizome-dependent system. Unlike trees, bamboo grows by elongating its internodes, which results in swift vertical growth.

This characteristic not only makes bamboo a renewable resource but also allows for frequent harvests without the need for replanting, making it both economical and sustainable.

Bamboo is remarkably diverse with over 1,500 species categorized into two main types: clumping and running. Clumping bamboos (sympodial) grow in a circular pattern and are less invasive, making them suitable for ornamental purposes. Running bamboos (monopodial), on the other hand, spread through underground rhizomes and can cover large areas quickly.

Some notably popular species include:

Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): Widely used in construction and for making bamboo products.
Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus): Known for its large size and strength.
Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra): Valued for its unique black culms and ornamental appeal.
Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea): Popular for its golden-yellow canes and use in landscaping.

While types of bamboo do vary in their growth rate by variety and conditions, they are all champs that will reach full size far more quickly than other garden denizens.

Useful History

Bamboo has a long history of use, dating back thousands of years. In Asia, it has been used for construction, tools, and everyday items due to its strength and versatility. Ancient Chinese civilizations utilized bamboo for writing materials, musical instruments, and even in warfare.

In Japan, bamboo has been integral to traditional arts, including ikebana (flower arranging) and tea ceremonies, and is often a key player in Japanese Gardens.

Bamboo’s historical significance is also evident in its cultural symbolism, representing resilience, flexibility, and harmony in various ancient cultures. In more contemporary times, bamboo’s applications have expanded significantly. It is now used in a wide range of industries and products including:

Construction: Bamboo is used as scaffolding, flooring, roofing, and even as a primary building material in sustainable architecture.
Textiles: Bamboo fibers are used to make fabrics that are soft, durable, and environmentally friendly.
Paper: Bamboo pulp is an alternative to wood pulp in paper production, reducing deforestation.
Furniture: Bamboo furniture is popular for its aesthetic appeal and durability.
Bioenergy: Bamboo biomass is used as a renewable energy source.
Food: Bamboo shoots are a nutritious food source in many Asian cuisines.

Decorative Delight

Bamboo’s aesthetic qualities make it a popular choice in tropical and contemporary landscape designs. Its tall, slender stalks and lush foliage create a serene and exotic atmosphere.

And it’s versatile. Bamboo can be used as a natural privacy screen, a windbreak, or a focal point in gardens. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with other tropical plants, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the space.

Additionally, bamboo’s ability to grow quickly and adapt to various climates makes it a practical choice for gardeners and landscapers.

Bamboo is a popular choice around pools and other bodies of water for several reasons. It offers a tropical, serene, and natural look that neatly complements watershapes. Its clean lines and lush green tones enhance the relaxing vibe of poolside landscapes. Because it grows so fast, it’s an excellent choice for quickly establishing privacy screens or shade structures.

Once established, bamboo is relatively low-maintenance. It requires minimal watering (depending on the species and climate) and is generally pest-resistant.

Bamboo is also known for its impressive durability. Some species, such as Guadua bamboo, have tensile strength comparable to steel, making them suitable for some types of load-bearing construction.

It’s also long-lasting due to its natural silica content, which makes it resistant to pests and decay, further enhancing its longevity. When properly treated, bamboo can last for many years.

Good Green

Bamboo’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen is remarkable. Studies indicate that bamboo can absorb up to 12 metric tons of carbon dioxide per hectare annually, which is higher than many other tree species. Additionally, bamboo releases 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere compared to an equivalent mass of trees. This makes bamboo an effective tool in combating climate change and enhancing air quality.

Bamboo is also relatively efficient in its water usage. It requires less water compared to many traditional crops, making it a viable option in areas with limited water resources. However, the water needs of bamboo vary depending on the species and the environment. Clumping bamboo species typically require more water than running species. Bamboo’s deep root system helps in soil stabilization and water retention, preventing erosion and promoting groundwater recharge.

It is an amazing type of grass, an extraordinary plant with remarkable growth rates, diverse species, and significant environmental benefits. Its efficient water usage, historical significance, modern applications, decorative value, durability, and sustainable farming techniques make it an invaluable resource.

As the world seeks sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, bamboo’s role is set to become increasingly important, offering a versatile and renewable alternative to traditional materials. For landscaping applications, bamboo can be a useful way to express tropical or Asian design.

In terms of outdoor entertainment, especially around pools, one of bamboo’s great applications is the iconic Tiki bar.

Tiki Traditions

Tiki bars are immersive experiences that transport patrons to a tropical paradise. From their origins in mid-20th century America to the personalized home Tiki bars of today, these spaces celebrate Polynesian aesthetics, exotic cocktails, and an escapist ethos that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. The combination of carefully crafted drinks, signature décor, and the essential use of bamboo in Tiki bar construction all contribute to a uniquely evocative atmosphere.

The origins of tiki bars can be traced back to 1934, when Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt—better known as Don Beach—opened Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood, California. Inspired by his travels in the South Pacific and the Caribbean, Beach created a space that blended Polynesian motifs with exotic rum-based cocktails. The bar’s success helped shape a new trend, where visitors could escape into an imagined paradise filled with tropical décor, dim lighting, and elaborate drinks served in unique mugs.

Following Don the Beachcomber’s success, Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron opened Trader Vic’s in Oakland, CA, in 1937. He helped popularize the Mai Tai, one of the most iconic tiki drinks, and expanded the tiki concept into a global brand. By the 1950s and 1960s, tiki bars flourished across America, fueled by post-World War II fascination with the South Pacific and the rise of Hawaii as the 50th U.S. state. Restaurants like The Tonga Room in San Francisco and Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale became legendary for their extravagant themes, complete with waterfalls, torches, and live Polynesian music.

Though tiki culture waned in the 1970s and 1980s, it experienced a major revival in the late 1990s and early 2000s, thanks to enthusiasts who embraced the art of craft cocktails and mid-century aesthetics. Today, tiki bars range from high-end establishments to personalized home setups, reflecting a renewed appreciation for the art, history, and escapism of the tiki experience.

Whether it’s a backyard tiki hut or an indoor home bar, attention to detail is essential in achieving an authentic aesthetic and creating that fleeting sense that you’re somewhere else far away on a balmy romantic shore on an indigo moonlight bay, or something like that.

The quintessential materials of a tiki bar, bamboo and thatch roofing create a rustic, island-inspired feel. Bamboo is used for bar facades, wall paneling, stools, and even shelving. That’s where it starts. Because every Tiki bar is different, the way that these materials are incorporated to create the basic framework and surfaces varies widely, and some Tiki artists and enthusiasts have signature designs and patterns they deploy to give their bars their distinct character.

Lasting Appeal

Tiki bars and restaurants continue to thrive because they offer something more than just a place to drink and eat—they provide escapism, nostalgia, and creativity. Whether visiting an iconic tiki bar or crafting a personal paradise at home, the tiki experience is about transporting oneself to a world of adventure, relaxation, and exotic flavors. And they are always defined by the presence of bamboo as the primary material.

From the carefully curated décor and handcrafted cocktails to the communal spirit and immersive ambiance, tiki culture remains a celebration of tropical fantasy. With the resurgence of craft cocktails and home tiki bars, it’s clear that the tiki movement is here to stay, ensuring that generations to come can continue to revel in the magic of the islands—one rum-soaked sip at a time.

Whether in construction, textiles, landscaping, or everyday products, bamboo continues to demonstrate its worth as a true marvel of nature.

Opening image by Livia Harijanto | Shutterstock; bamboo by small pool photo by Cobalt S-Elinoi| Shutterstock; bamboo forest phot by MNStudio | Shutterstock; bamboo close up photo KPG-Payless | Shutterstock; Zen bamboo photo by Suorabh Barua Hero| Shutterstock; Tiki bar/restaurant photo by Brian Logan Photography | Shutterstock.

References:

Jules J. A. Janssen (2000). Designing and Building with Bamboo. International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR).

Walter Liese & Michael Köhl (2015). Bamboo: The Plant and its Uses. Springer International Publishing.

David Farrelly (1984). The Book of Bamboo: A Comprehensive Guide to This Remarkable Plant, Its Uses, and Its History. Sierra Club Books.

Kamesh Salam (2009). “Bamboo for Climate Change Mitigation.” Journal of Bamboo and Rattan, 8(1–2), 1–7.

Shilin Chen et al. (2019). “Global Bamboo Resources and Sustainable Utilization.” Botanical Review, 85(1), 1–28.