What is bamboo?

There are more than a thousand bamboo species, most can be found in the tropics. The bamboo plants there grow in groups and can be up to 30 metres tall. The stems can vary in thickness and are usually green, but can also be yellow, brown or black. Bamboo is harvested after it has grown for 2 to 4 years. The entire bamboo plant is used to make furniture frames, and smaller parts are woven or glued together to make baskets or dishes.