"Bambusoideae: The Versatile and Resilient Subfamily of Grasses"

**Bambusoideae** is a subfamily within the grass family Poaceae, commonly known as bamboos. This subfamily consists of both woody and herbaceous bamboos, with about 1,500 species across 120 genera. Bamboos are known for their rapid growth and are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, although some species can also thrive in temperate climates.

### Key Characteristics:
- **Growth Habit:** Bamboos can be either clump-forming (sympodial) or running (monopodial), with the latter spreading more aggressively.
- **Stems (Culms):** The stems of bamboos are hollow, segmented, and often tall, with heights varying from a few centimeters to over 30 meters.
- **Leaves:** Bamboo leaves are narrow, elongated, and have parallel venation, typical of grasses.
- **Flowers:** Bamboos flower infrequently, sometimes only once in several decades. After flowering, many species die off.
- **Uses:** Bamboos are incredibly versatile and are used for construction, furniture, paper production, and even as a food source (bamboo shoots).

### Distribution:
Bamboos are primarily found in Asia, but they also grow in Africa, South and Central America, and some parts of Australia and North America. They are particularly abundant in Southeast Asia and China.