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San Marcos Growers grows quite a few of the woody grasses known as Bamboo. There are many Bambusa, Chusquea, Drepanostachyum, Fargesia, Himalayacalamus, Indocalamus, Otatea, Phyllostachys and Pleioblastus in our plant catalog and even more species of bamboo have been planted around the nursery for future evaluation.
Bamboo is a diverse group of plants with over 1,200 species ranging in size from miniatures to towering giants of over 150 feet. Bamboo are cosmopolitan in origin and among the most ancient plants in the grass family (Poaceae).
There are bamboo that grow one third faster than the fastest growing tree species, with the culms of some species growing over 3 feet per day. It is not surprising that with this speed of growth and the ability to harvest within 3-5 years (versus 10-20 for most softwoods) that bamboo has become a staple for many cultures and economies. It provides for food, medicine, timber for structures, fences, poles and artistic endeavors, the thatch for roofs and basketry and beauty for the garden.
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