Anatomical Characteristics of Three Korean Bamboo Species

Abstract

Bamboo is one of the major biomass resources in the world. To obtain valuable information for effective use of bamboo resources in Korea, the anatomical characteristics of the commercial Korean bamboo species (Phyllostachys pubescens, Phyllostachys nigra, and Phyllostachys bambusoides) were analyzed. The structures in bamboo culm were observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Also the crystalline properties as relative crystallinity and crystallite width were measured by an X-ray diffraction method. The three Korean bamboo species had the vascular bundle type I with tylosoid in intercellular space. In the outer part of culm, vascular bundles showed denser spacing than inner part. The fiber length in outer part samples of the three bamboo species showed longer than inner part samples. Furthermore, the fiber length showed a significant difference between inner part and outer part in three bamboo species, showing the longest fiber length in Phyllostachys bambusoides. Phyllostachys pubescens showed the greatest diameter in vessel and parenchyma on cross section. Parenchyma cells in Phyllostachys pubescens and Phyllostachys bambusoides showed similar length and width in both radial and tangential sections. The relative crystallinity and crystallite width in outer part samples of the three bamboo species showed higher values than those in inner part samples, with the greatest values from Phyllostachys bambusoides.