Global research trends on bamboo (1975–2024): a bibliometric analysis

Bamboo, a highly versatile and sustainable plant, encompasses approximately 1,680 to 1,700 species within 125 to 130 genera. It is increasingly vital in construction, textiles, bioenergy and environmental management, amongst others, prompting increased scientific interest in recent decades. Understanding the global research landscape on bamboo is important for identifying knowledge gaps and promoting sustainable development. This study examines global bamboo research trends from 1975–2024 using bibliometric analysis. Using Web of Science and Scopus databases, 1,640 documents were retrieved and analyzed with R Studio and VOSviewer. Results show an 8.48% annual growth rate in publications, accelerating since 2007, likely due to rising interest in sustainability. China leads with 35.12% of publications, followed by India (15.97%), the USA (4.57%), Korea (4.20%), Indonesia (4.14%), and Japan (3.78%), reflecting bamboo's cultural and economic significance in Asia. Key research themes include renewable resources, environmental impact, socio-ecological systems, genetics, molecular biology, traditional medicine, pharmacology, toxicology, and natural product chemistry. Collaborative networks reveal strong intra-Asian partnerships, with China as the primary collaborator, though North-South global collaborations are limited. Influential authors are predominantly based in China, reinforcing its leadership. The top three most influential journals include Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, Journal of Bamboo and Rattan and Bioresources , with the most cited papers focusing on environmental and industrial applications of bamboo. Despite progress, gaps persist in interdisciplinary research, socio-economic impacts, and bamboo's role in smallholder livelihoods. Enhanced global collaboration and diversified research are essential to fully harness the potential of bamboo for sustainable development, environmental conservation and economic growth.