That explains why I can use a bamboo spatula in a cast iron frying pan without damaging it.

bamboo: your kung foo is not strong. bow down.

water content + insulation effect of charring.

fascinating

Bamboo is an under used material in the west.

Fun fact, it's not wood and is not a tree. Bamboo is a grass.

I wonder if bamboo has a high water content. This reminds of of how a styrofoam cup won't melt if there is water in the cup and it is held in a fire, but as soon as the water fully evaporates, that cup burns away to nothing.