Bambusa vulgaris (Common Bamboo)

Native to tropical Asia, this large perennial bamboo forms upright clumps that can reach about 66 feet tall. Its woody aboveground stems, called culms, develop from underground rhizomes. The small grass flowers are grouped in flattened spikelets. Young shoots are eaten as vegetables, while mature culms are used for fences, furniture, baskets, and other products. It is widely grown beyond its native range. Photographed in Colombia.