epa01213775 Bamboo up to 20 meters high flourish in the east China centre of the bamboo industry Moganshan, China, 04 January 2008. Bamboo shoots are a popular foodstuff and the mature stalks are widely used in furniture and crafts manufacturing in China as well as for disposable chopsticks and scaffolding for buildings under construction. 25 percent of bamboo production is in China and it has a bright future since it is fast growing and has the additional benefit of releasing 35 percent more oxygen than other trees or shrubs. EPA/ADRIAN BRADSHAW