ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses bamboo form and material and its morphological properties and how to best capitalize on its inherent strengths. The formal classification of bamboo was originated by Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum of 1753; since then the number of species listed has grown, and variations are evident among botanists. A difficulty encountered in the classification of bamboo results from the fact that traditional taxonomy depends heavily on plant floral characteristics. Bamboo is found in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. The bamboo rhizome grows in a protected zone below the soil in fall and winter, storing energy for the production of the buds and shoots, which emerge in the spring. Treatment of bamboo is used to add a degree of fire resistance. Modern treatment methods include the introduction of chemical preservatives that include copper sulfate, sodium dichromate, zinc chloride, borax, and boric acid. Bamboo compares favorably with all primary building construction materials with respect to its strength-to-weight ratio.
