Morpho-anatomy of Bambusa multiplex, B. tuldoides and B. vulgaris cv. vittata culm leaves (Poaceae – Bambusoideae- Bambuseae)

Abstract

The use of morpho-anatomical characters provides valued information for the identification of woody bamboo taxa due to their monocarpic nature. Most of the studies are generally referred to the culm and the foliage leaf blade morpho-anatomical features. However, there is very scarce information about the anatomical features and descriptions of culm leaves. Therefore, the goal of this work is to study the morphology, anatomy and micromorphology of the culm leaves of three Bambusa species; B. multiplex, B. tuldoides, and B. vulgaris cv. vittata. Through the use of stereoscopic microscopy, light microscopy (epidermal scrapings and cross-sections) and scanning electron microscopy, qualitative and quantitative characters (morphometric and micrometric) were evaluated. The three species showed common characteristics in the culm leaves, such as their triangular shape, presence of auricles with fimbriae, ciliated internal ligule, glabrous leaf sheath adaxial epidermis and leaf blade with trichomes on the abaxial and adaxial epidermis. Other characters showed differences, such as the sheath/blade ratio, presence or absence of papillae, macrohairs and prickles on the abaxial and/or adaxial epidermis of the sheath and blade. Although similarities were observed regarding the qualitative characters among the studied species, significant differences were found in the quantitative data between the internal structure, cell types, and epidermal surface. The morpho-anatomical data allowed differentiating and characterizing the three studied Bambusa. These results achieved are novel; since it is the first record of a comprehensive anatomical study of culm leaves in woody bamboos. Like the anatomical characters of the foliage leaves, those of the culm leaves can be useful to differentiate Bambusoideae taxa.