Bamboo is one of the most important plants in Timor-Leste. Even though it looks simple, bamboo plays a big role in helping people, animals and the environment. I work at the Bamboo Institute of Timor-Leste, where we mostly use one special type of bamboo called Dendrocalamus asper. This bamboo helps communities earn income while also protecting the land.
Bamboo looks like a tall, green pole with a hollow inside. It has smooth, hard stems and long, narrow leaves. The type of bamboo we use, Dendrocalamus asper, is very thick and strong. Some bamboo can grow taller than a house, and when many plants grow together, they look like a small forest made of green towers.
I felt amazed! Even though bamboo is actually a grass, it can be stronger than wood. I was surprised to learn that bamboo can grow back again and again for over 50 years. I also felt excited knowing that this one plant can be used to make furniture, tools, clean-burning energy and maybe even houses in the future.
