Characterization of the anatomy of Guadua angustifolia (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) culms

摘要

Anatomical characterization of Guadua angustifolia (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) culms was carried out using material collected at four different localities in the Colombian Coffee zone. Anatomical features such as size, form and distribution of the vascular bundles, diameter and percentage of metaxylem, and percentage of fibers along the width and length of the culm's wall, were analyzed. The features evaluated showed variation in relation to the thickness of the culm's wall, with a higher concentrationand smaller size of the vascular bundles towards the periphery. There is no relationship between anatomical features and the culm's age. We also observed the number of vascular bundles per unit of area (cross section) at different heights of the culm. Fiber percentage of wall area increases from the base to top of the culm. The culm of Guadua angustifolia is formed by 40 percent fiber, 51 percent parenchyma and 9 percent vascular tissue on average.