Some bamboo species are widely credited with growing about 91 centimetres in one day.
Bamboo is a group of grasses in the subfamily Bambusoideae, not a single species. The often-cited record is associated with certain giant bamboos, including species of the genus Phyllostachys, under favorable growing conditions.
Bamboo stems, called culms, extend from underground rhizomes. During rapid growth, a culm can lengthen dramatically before its side branches and leaves fully develop. Once mature, the culm generally does not continue increasing in height or diameter.
The 91-centimetre figure is a widely repeated maximum rather than a rate reached by every bamboo plant. Growth depends on species, temperature, water, soil, and available nutrients. Bamboo is used for construction, paper, food, musical instruments, and many household products, while some species are invasive outside their native ranges.