In China, a bamboo plant has grown through the inside of a six-metre-high metal street lamp and emerged from the top with fresh green leaves, becoming a symbol of resolve, endurance and struggle.
According to foreign media, the incident occurred near the World Trade Plaza in Shengchang County, Zhejiang Province. A thin bamboo stalk somehow passed through the interior of the lamp post. A video of the scene has spread rapidly on social media.
The plant has been dubbed the “invincible bamboo”. Reports say it sprouted just a few centimetres from the lamp post and entered the structure through a small hole near its base.
Most plants fail to thrive in complete darkness, but this bamboo continued to grow in the harsh conditions. It travelled upwards through the inside of the lamp post and reached the top, where it produced a dense cluster of green leaves on the other side.
Experts say bamboo can grow even in darkness due to its strong and wide-ranging root system. Through underground stems, it reaches deep into the soil to draw water and inorganic nutrients, allowing early growth to continue without light.
The video of the unusual bamboo was uploaded to social media by a man named Jia. He said he was passing the area with his children when he noticed green leaves emerging from the top of the lamp post. Finding the sight striking, he recorded a video, without realising it would attract such wide attention.
The clip has been viewed millions of times, and the resilient bamboo gained overnight fame. People began visiting the site to see it for themselves, while some parents brought their children along to explain the meaning of courage, perseverance and the strength of life.
