The Anatomy of Bamboo Culms

Book excerpt: Given its unrivalled position in terms of diversity, distribution and uses, coupled with the vital role it plays in the rural economies of several countries around the world, bamboo has emerged in recent years as potentially the most important non-wood forest resource to replace wood in construction and other uses. Concomitantly, the interest being shown in this invaluable natural resource since the 1980s has resulted in the accumulation of a considerable body of information through research on various aspects of bamboos, including the anatomy of the bamboo culm. There is, however, no comprehensive publication available on the anatomy of bamboo culm, with the available literature being fragmented, scattered and inadequate. This landmark monograph by renowned wood biologist, forestry expert and bamboo specialist, Professor Walter Liese, whose innovative work on the study of anatomical structure using advanced microscopy and other techniques has won him wide international acclaim, fulfils the need for a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on this subject. It is the first attempt to synthesize information from studies on this subject, many of which have been contributed by Professor Liese, spread over the past four decades. By identifying gaps in the current anatomical knowledge base of bamboo culm, it is expected to stimulate further research and to act as a prime mover for knowledge generation in the key areas of bamboo anatomy, growth and taxonomy.