The effects of selected anatomical characteristics on physical properties of Ethiopian Highland Bamboo <i>Arundinaria Alpina</i> K. Schum. (Poaceae)

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vascular bundles concentration and fiber sheath percentages of Arundinaria alpina culms on basic density and moisture content. All variables were evaluated along the culms height and among different age-groups in light of this bamboo’s suitability for industrial applications. The results indicated a great heterogeneity and significant difference in vascular bundles concentration and fiber sheath percentages along culm portions. However, both variables didn’t show a significant difference among culms of different age-groups. On the other hand, basic density and moisture content of A. alpina culms were significantly different along culm portions and among different age groups. The results indicated that A.alpina culms need about 3 years for complete maturation of tissues. Culms that complete their growth and rotation at the end of this period or stage may be considered satisfactory for industrial applications. In early maturing bamboo, fibers are relatively small in wall thickness. The results of statistical analyses revealed that bamboo portion has significant effects on all variables. Lower portion of culms from all age groups showed low-density, high moisture content, few vascular bundles and fiber sheath concentration. Upper portion of the culms showed high basic density, low moisture content, high vascular bundles and fiber sheath concentrations. The results also revealed that vascular bundles concentration and fiber sheath percentage were positively correlated with density and negatively correlated with moisture content.

Keywords/phrases: Arundinaria alpina, Fiber sheath, Mean density, Moisture content, Vascular bundles

Ethiop. J. Biol. Sci., 7(1): 69-84, 2008