Bamboo is a plant that most people think they know. Almost every plant store sells this tough, fibrous plant. Surprisingly, this ancient herb is one of today's hottest new textiles. As the whole world goes green, it's no wonder bamboo is becoming more and more popular. Today, bamboo is found in almost all warm climates. However, a book written by the Jin Dynasty covers the history of bamboo. Historically, China appears to be the homeland of bamboo, where bamboo is estimated to have appeared thirty to forty million years ago. Thousands of years ago, it served as a food source for both animals and humans. Bamboo was used by early humans as an agricultural tool. It was used as a stake for vegetables and for irrigation and the making of fences. It was also used in place of wood for making arrows, building materials, paper, books, musical instruments and furniture. According to the website Bamboogrove.com, bamboo "has been shown to be stronger in tensile strength than steel, more flexible, and more resistant to infestation and disease." Popular provinces where bamboo is grown are Guangdong, Eujian, Hunan, Sichuan and Annui. Bamboo is typically grown in tropical and warm climates, such as Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa. There are more than 1000 species of bamboo in the world. Different temperatures determine where different species of bamboo grow. Although bamboo has many species, it is divided into two categories, Clumpers and Runners, which are determined by how they spread and how their roots grow. Clumps grow slowly, have roots that appear to cluster together, while runners grow quickly and dominate any area they occupy. Bamboo production involves its cultivation and harvesting....... middle of paper ......e 2010. .EditDelete"Champway Technology." Bamboo clothing Hong Kong. Internet. June 2, 2010. .EditDelete « Global Sources – Product Search: Bamboo Fabric. » Manufacturers: global sources. Internet. June 2, 2010. .EditDelete “History of bamboo moldings/molding/trim/flooring.” » Supplier of bamboo moldings Bamboo molding. Internet. June 2 2010. .