Abstract
The anatomical morphologies of vessel elements and pits of bamboo plants are unique, however, intensive research about vessel elements and pits in bamboo species is very scarce. The vessel elements and pits of four sympodial bamboo species were analyzed by light microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Results show that the length and width of vessel elements were significantly different across bamboo species. The simple (main type), scalariform, and reticulate perforation plates were discovered on the end of vessel elements. The four species also displayed distinct pit forms. Characteristics of vessel elements, perforation plates, and the shape and size of pit apertures were examined separately for their potential relationship of bamboo structure and function.
Highlights
Bamboo is one of the most important forest resources, especially in Asian countries
The vessel elements of N. affinis had tapered endings (Fig. 1), whereas those of B. multiplex and B. rigida both had smooth endings. It was discovered for the first time that vessel elements of bamboo (B. intermedia) possess tails, which has commonly been considered as an identifying characteristic of wood species in reports[23,24,25]
The results show that the average width of the vessel element had a very similar distribution in these studied species (Fig. 2b); the width ranged from 168.86 μm (B. intermedia) to 191.45 μm (N. affinis)
Summary
Bamboo is one of the most important forest resources, especially in Asian countries. Bamboo grows fast and offers a good alternative to wood. Sympodial bamboos are distributed primarily in the southern region of China and play a vital role as materials for ornaments, building and paper pulp[4]. Due to their special biological evolutionary position and economic significance, research on the structure and function of sympodial bamboo cells are important for providing an in-depth understanding of their properties. Metaxylem vessels and pits, along with other typical features such as the appearance of tyloses, helical thickening, the arrangement of vessel-ray pits, and the structure of perforation plates, are important characteristics used in microscopic identification of bamboo species[17,18,19,20,21]. Compared to wood, there is far less relevant research in determining bamboo species using anatomical characteristics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call