Questions are always welcome at Bamboo Spirit.
Below are are answers to the most common ones we receive.
Should you have a question not covered please feel free to reach out to us on our social media channels or email info@bamboospirit.co.za
We have two different kinds of bamboo: clumping and running.
Clumping bamboo can only grow within a radius of approximately 15 cm to 3 m and does not require any management. The running variety, however, needs management as it can spread like grass. This management can be easily accomplished using holistic methods or by potting the bamboo.
All the varieties we sell are legal. If you would like to see documentation of this, please read our articles on www.bamboospirit.co.za, which include links to legal documentation and comments and feedback from the DFFE.
On average, depending on the species, planting rates can range from 400 plants per hectare (spaced 5 m by 5 m) up to 1,200 plants per hectare, depending on the species.
Bamboo requires the same amount of water as corn, which is 3mm per day. In plain terms, this translates to 3 liters per day. On extremely hot days, bamboo may need up to 10 liters a day. During spring and summer, bamboo will grow and absorb water, but in autumn and winter, it releases water back into the surrounding areas, nurturing other plants and animals with this much-needed water supply. Additionally, once bamboo reaches adulthood and forms a canopy, it will retain more moisture, reducing its water needs. We also advocate planting bamboo varieties that are frost and drought-resistant once they mature..
Depending on the species, bamboo can reach maturity in 3 to 5 years for harvesting shoots. Some species may take longer but we say 7 to 10 year to be safe.
Neglect has led to some unmanaged growth, but bamboo, although related to cane, cannot grow in stagnant water, so please don’t confuse the two.
Just like SAPPI and MONDI, bamboo can play a significant role both socially and economically.
People need to take responsibility for whatever they plant, including bamboo. We need to educate people about responsible planting (running species) and track down old groves to manage them accordingly.
According to the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations and Species List of 2020, none of our bamboo species are classified as invasive.
Some of the South African bamboo we offer was introduced in the 1600s, as evidenced by bamboo specimens over 350 years old near Swellendam (Drostdy), Western Cape. The rest was introduced to South Africa approximately 30 years ago.
Bamboo has versatile applications, including construction, furniture making, paper production, culinary purposes (bamboo shoots), and as a renewable source for various products like clothing and laminated planks.
While bamboo has some natural resistance to pests, it can still be susceptible to certain insects and fungal diseases. Regular monitoring and care are crucial.
Bamboo has a rapid growth rate, which allows it to sequester carbon dioxide at faster rates than many tree species. Additionally, when harvested and used in products, it continues to store that carbon, making it an excellent resource for sustainable and eco-friendly projects at an average of 17 tons per hectare.