Why do bamboo grow so fast?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Pre-formed cells expand rapidly
Hollow stems are lightweight — Wrong. While hollow stems help bamboo be lightweight and flexible, they don't explain the growth speed. Bamboo grows fast because cells are already formed underground and just expand.
Pre-formed cells expand rapidly ✓ — Correct! Bamboo's secret is that all cells are created first in underground shoots. When conditions are right, these pre-formed cells just fill with water and expand - like inflating a balloon! Some species grow up to 91cm in 24 hours. Bamboo also has nodes that allow sections to grow simultaneously. Fastest growing plant on Earth!
High water absorption rate — Wrong. Though bamboo does absorb water to expand cells, the real reason for speed is that all cells are pre-formed underground and just need to inflate, rather than being created during growth.