Anatomical modifications in some Bambusa Schreb. species to combat ecological constraints

Abstract

Five selected species of genus Bambusa considered for comparative anatomical characterization, were collected from the different areas of Punjab, Pakistan. The magnitude of variation was immensely high in Bambusa spp. relating to their root, culm, and leaf anatomical characters. These species were specific as well as representative of specific environmental adaptations. In different environmental stresses, Bambusa vulgaris found to be the most tolerant. Distinctive anatomical adaptations in this species were dense sclerification in root and stem (on inner side of epidermis and in vascular region), stem and adaxial leaf surface with thick epidermis, dense hairy stem and abaxial leaf surface, and bulliform cells with a peculiar arrangement in adaxial leaf surface. Overall, a strong relation of understudy features with plant anatomy was recorded, and therefore, these traits can be employed as a tool for studying the taxonomy of genus Bambusa. Moreover, by using these structural modifications their tolerance level to environmental stresses can be easily assessed.