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Unfortunately, it would be very difficult for your father to import bamboo into the U.S. due to some antiquated Federal laws (dating back to 1918). Basically, if you want to bring bamboo into the U.S. it has to come in under a special permit and immediately be placed in a "Quarantined Warehouse" for a year at your expense. If it is still alive and healthy after that time, you can take possession of it. In addition, it looks like you can't generally import in large quantities for commercial sale. Here is more info:

Here is a link that might be useful: U. S. Bamboo Quarantine