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Bamboo stems. Four different types of bamboo stem. From left to right, these are: Phyllostachys pubescens kikko, P. violascens, P. nigra and P. sulphurea. Bamboo is a member of the grass family Gramineae. It is found throughout the world in tropical and subtropical areas, but is most common in the forests of southeastern Asia. It is widely used by local people in construction, paper-making and weaving. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/PASCAL GOETGHELUCK)