The genus Guadua can be found in more tropical and subtropical areas of the world such as Central and South America. It includes more than twenty different varieties of woody bamboo, some of the largest bamboos in the tropical United States. These bamboos can be over 100 feet (30 m) tall and about 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.
Guadua bamboo is mainly a semi-dispersed type of bamboo, which means that they grow naturally in a spreading manner, but not as wide as scattered trees. These bamboos grow very quickly, also making them a continuously renewable resource that is ideal for restoring large areas of cleared forest.
However, among the few species of the genus Guadua, there is one that stands out, has the best properties for building, is considered the most valuable bamboo is Guadua Angustifolia (Kunth Bamboo). Discovered in 1822 by Kunth, a German botanist, this bamboo variety is native to South America and offers the highest flexibility and strength of all other species of its kind. It reaches a maximum height of about 100 feet (30 m) and can be up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Its superior strength is roughly equivalent to that of steel and has a compression ratio approximately twice that of concrete.
Uses of Bamboo Guadua
• Housing – Due to its size, Guadua bamboo is commonly used as a timber to build affordable housing in areas of Central and South America. Walls, door frames and more can be made of this durable bamboo.
• Furniture – From the dining table to the bed, Guadua bamboo is a reliable material for building sturdy furniture.
• Handicrafts – Guadua bamboo is often used in handicrafts such as baskets and jewelry.
• Musical Instruments – Bamboo Guadua makes an excellent crafting material for musical instruments such as the Didgeridoo and flute.
