bamboo

(Bambusa arundinacea)

A magnificent articulated cane, which holds a conspicuous rank in the tropics from its rapid growth and almost universal properties: the succulent buds are eaten fresh and the young stems make excellent preserves. The large stems are useful in agricultural and domestic implements; also in building both houses and ships; in making baskets, cages, hats, and furniture, besides sails, paper, and in various departments of the Indian materia medica.