Botanically speaking, bamboo is not wood, but a species of grass that hardens and grows extremely quickly. There are roughly 1,000 bamboo species in the world, which have different colours, features, strengths and density. Global Access Distributors Inc only uses Mao or Moso Bamboo because of its ideal physical and mechanical properties. Mao bamboo is scientifically known as Phyllostachys pubescens, it is the largest member of the phyllostachys genus and is also known as "giant bamboo".

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, reaching its full height within only a half year. Some species can grow up to three feet (1m) per day in the growing season, due to a unique and aggressive rhizome system (a rhizome is basically an underground root network). Then it needs approximately 5-7 years to mature to the point of acquiring enough hardness and density to be used in any finishing application.

Mao Bamboo has a diameter of 5” to 6” (13 to 15cm), fine colour, grain and density which are comparable to hardwood, yet distinct in its aesthetic appeal. Bamboo material is very suitable for veneer, panels, flooring, plywood, furniture, cabinets, fence panels and other interior construction applications.

Mao Bamboo is only found in sub-tropical climates, and the Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian and Jiangxi provinces in China are its original and natural habitat. It reaches heights of 100’ (30 meters) and a circumference of 6” (15cm) at the stem.

Mao bamboo is not used by panda bears for food. 

Follow this link for more information on bamboo.