Bamboo is about to bloom for the first time in 120 years. And it could be a disaster

In Japan, the long-lived bamboo species Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis, which blooms only once every 120 years and dies shortly thereafter. The last major bloom occurred in 1908, and the next is expected around 2028, and its consequences could cause serious social and environmental problems. Research about it published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE.

No scientific work on the regeneration of this type of bamboo has been carried out, and therefore the process of regeneration of the species is still unknown. For three years since 2020, scientists from the University of Hiroshima observed behind the localized early flowering of Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis, trying to study it before large-scale flowering throughout the country.

Within three years, more than 80% of the stems in the study area had flowered but produced no seeds. And those that could take root died within one year. These facts strongly suggest that P. nigra var. henonis is unable to produce seeds and cannot undergo sexual regeneration,

noted scientists.

At present, a huge territory of Japan is covered with plantations of this species, their death after flowering and subsequent abrupt change in vegetation can greatly aggravate the ecological situation terrain. Large wastelands may appear, and due to soil erosion, the relief will change dramatically and biodiversity will decrease. Insects and animals that feed on bamboo will suffer.

In addition, Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis is a common craft material used in the manufacture of furniture and various decorative elements.

According to scientists, the restoration of bamboo thickets will take many years. They hope for the auxiliary effect of fertilizing the soil and actively transplanting from other territories. But this must be done under careful control, as the actively spreading roots of the plant often lead to land use problems in forests and agricultural farms.

In the future, scientists have yet to figure out why this type of bamboo has such an incredible flowering period and does not produce enough viable seeds.