Variations in patterns of internode and branch lengths for several bamboo species

Abstract

Bamboos are an important plant resource both economically and ecologically and it is, therefore, important to fully understand their biosystem characteristics. In this study, the variations in patterns of internode and branch lengths for twelve bamboo species were examined. The results indicated that node distribution along the culm is not always dense near the ends of the culm and sparse in the middle part of the culm. There were variations in the position of maximum internode length among the 12 bamboo species. For most bamboo species, maximum internode lengths correlated with total culm heights. Similar relationships existed between log (node number) and log (accumulated internode length) at the individual and species levels, and these relationships can be fitted by a linear or sigmoid function of the third-order function. Scaling exponents changed gradually during internode growth for individuals. The relationships between log (average of internode length) and log (variance of internode length) were complicated between individuals and species. The frequency distribution of bamboo branches followed power laws, but the exponents varied with species and individuals. The results may provide a new understanding of the optimal design in the unique biosystem of bamboos.