Dependence of dielectric constant (epsilon') and dielectric dissipation factor (tan 5) on distance from outermost skin to the center of bamboo has been determined. Dielectric measurements have been done in the temperature range of 24-120 degrees C and in the frequency range, 4-100 kHz. Gradient behavior in epsilon' and tan delta has been found in bamboo. It has also been observed that epsilon' and tan delta increase with increasing temperature and decrease with increasing frequency. Relaxation times have been calculated for the four samples at 80, 90, and 100 degrees C temperatures, which show that relaxation time decreases with the increase of temperature because of the increased molecular mobility. A continuous increase in the hardness from center (48) to outer surface (70) and density from 0.45 to 0.80 g/cc has been observed. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.