ECOLOGICAL HISTORY AND USE OF BAMBOO

Bamboo has a long history of culture and use in Asian nations, but is a relatively recent introduction to Neotropical countries, where it ca n be a significant ecological and economic product in areas affected b y great deforestation and human population growth after the Second Wor ld War. The review focuses on Coast Rica where there are at least 15 g enera and 53 species of native and introduced bamboo, as well as sever al devades of experience on bamboo housing. General agricultural pract ices and the possible future uses of bamboo in Costa Rica and ino ther Neotropical countries are reviewed in detail. The popular view that b amboo is an aggressive invader is dismissed and it is rather considere d a healer of ''ecological injury'' when properly managed (management practices are critically summarized).