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.

Whatever your climate, there is a suitable species of bamboo for your garden. More than 300 bamboos are described, from tropical and subtropical species to hardy species with information on size, native range, and landscape use.

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.

Gardens of all sizes can accommodate bamboos, which are cold-resistant and surprisingly easy to grow. Some bamboos make impressive specimens for the border, others form a fast-growing hedge or screen, and short forms provide a leafy groundcover. David Crompton explains everything needed to grow bamboos in this guide to nearly two hundred ornamental plants.