Worldwide, there are over 1500 species of bamboos.
Bamboos are among the most useful of all plants.
In addition to being ornamental, their dense root systems make them good for erosion control. The larger species make excellent privacy screens, windbreaks, or noise barriers. The smaller species are good as ground covers. Bamboos are also good as pot or tub plants, indoors or outdoors. Many species of bamboo produce edible shoots.