What is an bamboo flute made of?

A bamboo flute, also known as a bansuri in the Indian subcontinent, is made from a section of bamboo. Specifically, it is constructed from mature bamboo plants (typically over three years old) that meet certain characteristics. The ideal species of bamboo for flute making include Bambusa vulgaris (commonly called "common bamboo" or "garden bamboo") and certain varieties of Dendrocalamus, such as Dendrocalamus giganteus (giant bamboo). These species possess the desired qualities for crafting bamboo flutes, such as having straight and hollow internodes (sections between joints) with proper wall thickness and hardness.

The process of making a bamboo flute involves selecting suitable bamboo poles, cutting them into appropriate sections, treating and seasoning them, then crafting the embouchure (the blowing or air-vent), finger holes, and other structural elements to create the musical instrument. Bamboo flutes can vary in size, tuning, and design depending on regional variations and specific musical traditions.