World - There are (according to some classifications) between 1 050 and 1 070 different species of bamboo in the world, from the tiny Sasa to the subtropical giants. Temperate areas saw their bamboo fields disappear during glaciations. The current global climate encourage the spreading of many species of this plant that can bear sometimes -28 ° C.

In hot countries they proliferate up to 3,000 m above sea level. In Himalayan some species can be found up to 3,600 meters.

Asia is the continent where bamboo is the most integrated in the culture. This plant is in the heart of many subjects: religion, arts, construction and daily life.

America and South Africa also contain vast varieties of bamboo. In some of these countries it is related to the culture, the construction and the history.

Asia

Photo - Bramapoutra - East India

The bamboo provides the building material for all kinds of utensils, tools, recipients for drinking, food and raw materials, food and medicines for humans and animals.

China has more than 400 species spread over 6.8 million hectares. It has the largest area of Phyllostachys in the world. 90% of bamboo groves consist of Phyllostachys Bambusoides (timber) and Phyllostachys Heterocycla f.Pubescens (food), two species early imported into Japan.

Generally only certain species are exploited by humans in plantations more or less large. In Japan, where a hundred of species has been inventorized, only 15 are widespread and cultivated.

India, according to some sources, holds the world record in area (4 to 10 million hectares) and production of pulp (~ 3.5 million tons).

Significant reserves of bamboo were destroyed on this continent, due to demographic pressure of fertile lands where this plant was endemic. The overuse of paper is also the cause (eg Bangladesh) of its diseapearing.

China - The Himalaya captures the masses of cloud and water China and central China toward the east via the a natural architecture of irrigation conducive to bamboo. Moreover, the mountain ranges protect the south-east of northern influences. the Bamboo shows all its potential in this region whith tropical climate.

60% is however unsuitable for agriculture and serviculture. The population has grown and transformed most of the bamboo areas into traditional farming .

Some species of bamboo are grown and preserved (South).

China is sensitive to the preservation of Giant Panda, a project in association with the WWW which has led to the creation of natural reserves and protected park for its study and preservation.

Africa, América, Australia

This part of the world is rich in bamboo. However it is practically not used for different reasons. The most accepted theory is that these regions have many other wood species.

Africa uses it but does not grow it. It has 43 species in an area of 1.5 million hectares, mainly in East Africa and Madagascar.

North America has a tradition based on classical wood. However study initiatives of this plant appear supported by its significant presence in nature.

South America and Africa sees a higher density of this plant in tropical forests often inaccessible. The Chusquea provides forage for livestock, but the bamboo is practically not used for human consumption. We identify 35 different species on this continent. The Guadua angustifolia is widely used in Colombia and Ecuador, where 30% of the habitat is made from this material. The mastering of construction with bamboo comes from the pre-Columbian period.

Significant bamboo groves of Bambusa vulgaris are dedicated to paper production.

Tropical forests are proving to be a real paradise for this plant. Over there can be found unique climbing and crawling bamboo and sometimes epiphytic species. This jungle still holds true botanical treasures.

Northern Australia has few endemic species. Bamboo is used in agricultural farms (permaculture (TM)) as a component of the ecosystem.

Europe - Europe shelters for the moment only some varieties of bamboo, mostly from Asia. Those imported from other continents are not always viable outdoors.

However bamboo has existed in Europe before the glaciations. (Phyllostachys Lugdunus ...).

In the warmer climate of nowadays it is a now a perennial plant.

Some cultivation projects of rare species from tropical rain forests have been settled. This is just a beginning and it is too early to consider the results of these experiments.

In South America certain species are climbing. They develop hook-shaped branches in order to remain on the top of the surrounding vegetation and "bounce" further. (see photo below)