Abstract:

 The classification of bamboos is often difficult, because they do not bloom regularly

and variation of their vegetative organs occurs easily.  This paper deals mainly with

the dissection of the culms at the base, middle, and top of 31 species from 10 genera

of caespitose bamboos cultivated in South China.  Proceeding from the exterior to the

interior, observations were made on the sections of the parts mentioned above, and ac-

cording to differences noted in structure, size, shape, and arrangement of the vascular

bundles, a division into 4 vascular bundle types was arrived at and a key for 31 species

complied in an attempt to base the classification of bamboos on the structure of the

vascular bundles.