On the anatomy of Asian bamboos, with special reference to their vascular bundles

SummaryA comparative histological investigation of 52 bamboo species from 14 genera, collected in seven Asian countries, was carried out; 1200 internodes from 250 culms were examined therein. The anatomical structure of the culms is characterized exclusively by the collateral vascular bundles embedded in parenchymatous ground tissue which exhibits four basic types. A classification system was devised for these vascular bundle types and their combinations within the culm; it was found to correlate well with the system of Holttum based on the structure of the ovary. A comprehensive description of the marked variability of the vascular bundle structure within one culm and between culms of a single species is given. The implications of such a representative description of a singles pecies and the introduction of an identification key are discussed.