Bamboo can be used in place mats.
The bamboo tree is actually a type of grass, the largest of all grass species. It is found in many different types of climates and in countries all over the world, including China, Australia, the United States, Argentina and India. There are many uses for all of the parts of the bamboo tree.
Shoots
The shoots of the bamboo tree, which are the stems before they are fully mature, are edible. The texture of cooked bamboo shoots is similar to cooked broccoli stems, and it can be harvested fresh or purchased in cans. Bamboo shoots are a common ingredient in Asian cuisine. Bamboo shoots are also eaten by wildlife, such as pandas and lemurs, where it grows naturally.
Sap
Sap from the bamboo tree can be dried into a powder or used in its natural liquid form as a moisturizer or cosmetic additive, as well as for medical uses, such as bamboo-sap foot patches that are thought to detoxify. The sap can also be fermented into wine.
Leaves
The leaves of the bamboo tree are used in cooking to steam or serve food in a manner similar to banana leaves. The leaves themselves are also edible and are eaten in some Asian cuisine and by wildlife. The leaves are also used in Chinese medicine, and extracts from the leaves are used in cosmetics and personal care items.
Mature Stalks
The hollowed mature stalks of the bamboo tree have unlimited uses and can be used in place of wood or hemp. Some examples of the uses of the bamboo stalk include residential construction, flooring, dishware, kitchen utensils, cutting boards, bird cages, furniture construction, instruments, place mats, fences and small walking bridges. Bamboo stalks are fibrous, and the bamboo fibers are used in cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, door mats and brushes.
Bamboo stalks are also made into fabric products, including sheets and clothing. This is done by mechanically crushing the bamboo stalks until enzymes naturally present in the bamboo create a mush out of the crushed bamboo stalks. This mush can then be spun into fibers to create fabrics.
Tags: bamboo tree, Asian cuisine, Bamboo shoots, bamboo stalks, Bamboo stalks, place mats, used cosmetics