There are over one thousand species of bamboo, of some 50 genera. Some species of bamboo are the size of field grass others are giants 140 ft tall and 12 inches in diameter. Some grow in tropical climates and others in temperate climates.

Although bamboo varies widely in its color, shape and size, all of its varieties share one common characteristic, the woody "culm" or pole. A few are solid but most are hollow, divided by walled septa, or nodes.