Bamboo stem. The bamboo plant is a member of the grass family Gramineae. Each woody stem, known as a cane or culm, can reach great heights. The join seen here divides two sections of a bamboo stem. This internal structure allows bamboo canes to be cut up for use as containers such as water storage vessels. The canes are also used in construction, as they form very tough structures. The bamboo plant is also used in paper-making and weaving. Bamboo is found in tropical and subtropical areas, most commonly in Asia.