A tropical plant consisting of tall, green, tubular stems. It is technically a type of grass, but its woody tissue is as strong as timber, and the tallest species can grow to a height of nearly 100 feet (30 meters). Most species are native to Southeast Asia (around 64%), but the plant is also common in Latin America (around 33%). The rest are native mostly to Africa and Oceania, but North America does have three native species.
Bamboo is used for various purposes, including cooking, construction, textiles, paper, furniture, and traditional medicine.
It is a dietary staple of the giant panda, with which it is frequently depicted.
