Why do bamboos have leaves that encircle the stem? (Is it for some kind of structure support?) Also, why are there leaves at the top of the plant on lateral branches? There is graffiti at the base of some of the bamboo shoots. Why doesn't the graffiti grow higher up the shoot as the plant gains height?
Is this a Multiple Post or did you not find these answers in the Websites I gave you?
Sra
The leaves of bamboo encircling the stem serve multiple purposes, including providing structural support. This arrangement, known as the sheath, helps strengthen the bamboo stem, allowing it to grow tall and upright. It acts as a protective covering for the young shoots, shielding them from environmental stressors and potential damage.
Additionally, the leaves at the top of the bamboo plant on lateral branches play a crucial role in capturing sunlight for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, and the leaves are the primary location for this process. Therefore, having leaves at the top allows the plant to maximize its exposure to sunlight and produce the necessary energy for growth.
Regarding the graffiti at the base of some bamboo shoots, it doesn't grow higher up the shoot as the plant gains height due to the growth pattern of bamboo. Bamboo shoots emerge from underground rhizomes and grow rapidly in height within a short period. However, the growth of the stem and the sheath, including any graffiti on it, eventually halts as the shoot matures. The graffiti doesn't move higher because the sheath remains attached to the stem and doesn't continue to elongate once the shoot has reached its full height.