don't have an answer for your question but i can recommend a book i'm currently reading all about bamboo. its called (appropriately enough) THE BOOK OF BAMBOO by David Farrely. all i can say is this is one amazing plant! i was surprised to find out you can make almost anything from bamboo. homes, bridges, instruments, etc, etc etc. talk about versatility. i wonder why its use hasn't been more widespread in the west considering it grows exponentially faster than trees.