The “fastest growing plant” is typically measured by vertical extension over a short period. This distinction is held by certain species of bamboo, which are technically classified as woody perennial grasses. Their rapid ascent is a unique biological phenomenon, differing entirely from the growth patterns seen in trees and other common flora. This extraordinary growth capacity results from specialized cellular structures and an efficient energy distribution system.
The World Record Holder
The plant most frequently recognized for the fastest growth rate is the Moso bamboo, scientifically known as Phyllostachys edulis. This species, native to China and Taiwan, has been documented under ideal conditions to grow at an astonishing speed. Moso bamboo culms have been recorded to increase their height by as much as 91 centimeters (about 35 inches) in a single 24-hour period.
This peak growth rate translates to an hourly increase of approximately 3.8 centimeters (about 1.5 inches). Such velocity requires a combination of environmental factors, including abundant moisture, warm temperatures, and nutrient-rich soil to fuel the elongation. The rapid growth phase typically occurs during the spring, lasting three to four months until the new culm reaches its final height.
Other species, such as Madake bamboo (Phyllostachys reticulata), have shown comparable growth, with a maximum documented increase of 121 centimeters in 24 hours. However, Moso bamboo is widely cited as the most vigorous grower, capable of reaching mature heights of 20 meters or more. This vertical growth speed solidifies the bamboo family’s place at the top of the plant kingdom’s growth race.
The Biology Behind the Speed
Bamboo’s speed is rooted in a fundamental difference in its growth architecture compared to trees. Unlike woody plants that grow taller by adding new cells from the tips, bamboo has all the cells needed for its final height pre-formed while the shoot is still underground. The primary growth mechanism is cell elongation, rather than continuous cell division, which allows for a much faster increase in size.
The culm emerges from the ground as a shoot that already contains every node and internode it will ever have. The rapid vertical expansion is driven by the simultaneous elongation of all internodes, the segmented sections between the nodes. This concerted effort is supported by a massive underground network of rhizomes, which are horizontal stems that store carbohydrates and water.
This extensive root system acts as an energy reservoir, allowing the emerging culm to draw on stored resources for its explosive growth. The hollow, segmented structure of the culm provides necessary strength and rigidity while requiring less structural material than a solid tree trunk. The entire growth process is a quick, one-time vertical push, as the culm will not grow taller in subsequent years once it has hardened.
Other Categories of Rapid Growth
While bamboo holds the record for fastest vertical growth, other plant categories excel in different types of rapid expansion. Aquatic plants, such as the minute species of duckweed (Wolffia genus), demonstrate impressive speed in mass multiplication. These tiny flowering plants can double their total mass in less than 30 hours under optimal conditions, focusing energy on rapid reproduction rather than height.
In the realm of trees, the Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is often cited as one of the fastest-growing deciduous species, capable of adding several feet of height annually in its early years. This rapid growth allows it to quickly colonize disturbed areas and outcompete slower-growing saplings. Annual plants also prioritize speed to complete their life cycle quickly, with vegetables like radishes ready for harvest in as little as 20 to 30 days after planting. These diverse growth strategies represent different evolutionary solutions for rapid resource acquisition.