Bamboo occupies an unparalleled position in the plant kingdom in terms of its distribution, diversity and uses in the tropics and subtropics. In addition to featuring prominently in the lives of rural communities, particularly in Asia, it continues to find new applications in such wide ranging areas as paper and rayon manufacture; construction; architecture; engineering; handicrafts; food and medicine. Within Asia, India is second only to China in terms of the quantities and varieties of bamboo species found in the country. However, as in many other countries, information on this subject is generally inadequate and inaccessible. Contradictory reports on various aspects of bamboos, especially relating to taxonomic and phytogeographic observations, further add to the confusion regarding classification. There is thus an urgent need for a review of the current literature and a compilation of information on the various species of bamboo, including their synonyms. This compilation by K.K. Seethalakshmi and M.S. Muktesh Kumar, scientists specializing in plant physiology and taxonomy respectively at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, seeks to fulfil this need. Based primarily on a literature survey, it provides a comprehensive and holistic account of 128 bamboo species belonging to 18 genera occurring in India. By synthesizing and consolidating the work done so far on each of the covered species, it is expected to illuminate current information gaps and to provide a solid foundation for further work in this area.

Bamboo occupies an unparalleled position in the plant kingdom in terms of its distribution, diversity and uses in the tropics and subtropics. In addition to featuring prominently in the lives of rural communities, particularly in Asia, it continues to find new applications in such wide ranging areas as paper and rayon manufacture; construction; architecture; engineering; handicrafts; food and medicine. Within Asia, India is second only to China in terms of the quantities and varieties of bamboo species found in the country. However, as in many other countries, information on this subject is generally inadequate and inaccessible. Contradictory reports on various aspects of bamboos, especially relating to taxonomic and phytogeographic observations, further add to the confusion regarding classification. There is thus an urgent need for a review of the current literature and a compilation of information on the various species of bamboo, including their synonyms. This compilation by K.K. Seethalakshmi and M.S. Muktesh Kumar, scientists specializing in plant physiology and taxonomy respectively at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, seeks to fulfil this need. Based primarily on a literature survey, it provides a comprehensive and holistic account of 128 bamboo species belonging to 18 genera occurring in India. By synthesizing and consolidating the work done so far on each of the covered species, it is expected to illuminate current information gaps and to provide a solid foundation for further work in this area.

1. Introduction; 2 Distribution; 3. Taxonomy; 4. Ecological requirements; 5. Growth characteristics; 6. Establishment and Management; 7. Growth and development; 8. Biomass and Yield; 9. Felling cycle and fertilization application; 10. Introduction of Soci

Bamboos constitute one of a few select categories of plants which are taxonomically related, very rich in species and of vital economic and ecological importance. Since the early 20th century the accepted number of species of bamboos, world wide, has tripled. However, until now information was scattered through numerous, often not easily available publications.The Bamboos of the World, is the first comprehensive (taxonomic as well as horticultural) reference work that provides basic information on bamboos world wide, whether they are wild or cultivated, well-known or rather unknown. The work, based on bamboo literature, facilitates access to further data by citation and a comprehensive bibliography. Among the main data included are botanical names with synonyms, and geographical distribution of genera and species, varieties with their distinctive characters, common bamboo names, plant introductions to the West, plant size and uses. The distribution of genera is mapped.The Bamboos of the World presents a wealth of essential information in an accessible and structured manner. It gives the opportunity to check under what names, and where, relevant information on any bamboo can be found. For the researcher with management and development interests it provides a convenient means of basing bamboo resource on a sound understanding of generic and species relationships, with names that appear in earlier literature put into context. The work should prove to be invaluable for those interested in the morphology, taxonomy, distribution and cultivation of bamboos. It should support botanical, forestry, horticultural and ecological research, training and resource management.