When people hear the word "bamboo," they often picture an aggressive plant that takes over yards and ecosystems. But not all bamboo is created equal. In fact, Bambusa vulgaris var. vulgaris — the species cultivated by Bamboo Biofarms in Jamaica — is a non-invasive, clumping bamboo with a long history of sustainable use.

Sympodial bamboo has played a significant role in human societies for thousands of years, today serving as a versatile resource with...