Guadua amplexifolia, commonly known as Colombian giant bamboo, is a large, tropical bamboo species native to the rainforests of Central and South America, particularly found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. It is a clumping bamboo that is known for its rapid growth, strength, and versatility, making it one of the most important species in the Guadua genus. Guadua amplexifolia can grow to remarkable heights of 10 to 20 meters, with culms that can reach diameters of 6 to 10 cm. This bamboo species is characterized by its strong, straight stems and its dense, bushy appearance.
 
The culms of Guadua amplexifolia are typically green when young, turning a yellowish-brown as they mature. The bamboo's stems are robust, with a smooth texture and prominent nodes, and they are highly resistant to bending and breaking. These qualities make Guadua amplexifolia particularly valuable for construction, as its stems are used for building structures like houses, bridges, scaffolding, and even roads in some regions. The species is regarded as one of the strongest bamboos in the world, with some even comparing it to steel in terms of its strength-to-weight ratio.