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. A complete list of the uses for bamboo would fill a book. The style of growth of bamboos is remarkable. New shoots normally arise and grow to their full height and thickness in a matter or 4 to 8 weeks. Under favorable conditions, the new shoots which arise each year in a bamboo planting will be taller and thicker than those of the previous year, until the species reaches its full potential size.