While bamboo is quite sturdy in its own habitat (certain varieties can withstand temperatures as low as - 11 degrees Fahrenheit [- 24 degrees Celsius] and can grow at an altitude of up to 16,000 feet [5,000 m]), it was impossible to keep the roots alive during the long journey across continents.
Lai gan savā dabiskajā vidē bambuss ir diezgan izturīgs (atsevišķas pasugas var pārciest 24 grādu aukstumu un augt 5000 metru augstumā virs jūras līmeņa), ilgā ceļojuma laikā augus nebija iespējams saglabāt, jo to saknes sažuva.