Bamboo factfile

Published on 27/07/2012 12:00

Bamboos are some of the fastest-growing plants in the world, with giant bamboos also classified as the largest member of the grass family.

If the soil and climate are right, bamboo shoots can grow up to one metre (39 inches) in a day. If that growth continued unchecked, the shoots could be the same height as the Scott Monument in just two months.

As well as filling panda (and human) bellies, bamboo is used in certain types of construction, and to make paper, medicine, textiles and musical instruments.

Between them, Tian Tian and Yang Guang will chomp their way through nearly 18,000kg of bamboo every year.

There are roughly 5000 different species of bamboo, but the pandas only eat about 25 different species, and will usually sample five different kinds in one day.

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