Bamboos are a very common woody grasses that are found all over the world, especially in Asia. They are also one of the fastest growing plants in the world due to their unique growth system known as the rhizome-dependent system. Bamboos bear significance cultural as well as economic importance in different in Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Asia where they are used for a variety of applications such as for building materials used in construction or for bamboo floor tiles in houses. It is also used to make furnitures and are also consumed in some areas in China. Bamboos also the beneficial property of fighting climate change due to its carbon absorption feature which reduces carbons from the environment.

Many of us do know some information about bamboos but some of us are not aware of the different varieties of bamboos. Have you ever seen a bamboo vine or even a bamboo that is shaped like a pitcher? A great place to learn all about the different species of bamboo is the Bamboo Garden located in the Chittagong City in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Forest Research Institute has started collecting species from the year 1972 and so far the Bamboo Garden has around thirty two species.

?The Bamboo Garden is located in a hilly area and coming across the several species of bamboos were truly an amazing experience? said Mirza, a friend of mine who studies at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). He recently visited the bamboo garden as part of a field trip program he attended. Mirza was one of the many participants who learned about several new species after visiting the garden.

Here you will find tiny bamboos that could be planted in small pots as well as ?Bhudum Bamboos?, the gigantic type available in the country, said Monaem Bhuian, who has been working as a fieldsman in the five acre garden ?Bambusetum? at Sholoshor area.

Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI) started the collection in 1972-1973, and currently has a total of 32 species, Bhuian said.

Some of the species in the garden are listed as follows (in Bengali names):  Borak, Bembra, Lathi, Kali, Tendu or zigzag, Kala, Muli, Dolu, Thai, Rengun, Tolonda, and Wappi. Biskata, Mirtinga, Bethua, Konok Kaich, Tetua, Choy, Shwarna, Hedge, Brandisi, Pencha, Makla, Farua, Korjoba, Mitinga and Baizza.