Anatomical and physical properties of Bambusa mizorameana Naithani

The present investigation was made in 3 years old culms of Bambusa mizorameana to evaluate anatomical and physical properties across and along the culm. There was decrease in vascular bundle frequency per mm2 from bottom to top. Vascular bundles were larger in middle zone at all height positions. Along culm height, Type IV vascular bundles were present in middle zone of bottom and middle positions while Type III vascular bundles in middle zone of top position. The metaxylem vessel diameter decreased significantly from inner to outer zone across the culm. A non-significant variation in metaxylem vessel diameter was observed along culm height. Across the culm, fibre length varied significantly at bottom position only. Fibres were longer in middle zone across the culm at all height positions. Middle position had the longest fibres among all height positions. There was non-significant variation in fibre wall thickness both along and across the culm. Physical properties like specific gravity, moisture content, shrinkage in culm diameter and wall thickness decreased significantly from base to top in this species.