Typological classification of bamboo: from the advent of microscopy to artificial intelligence<sup>1</sup>

Rusch, Fernando; Hillig, Éverton; Paula, Edgley Alves de Oliveira; Melo, Rafael Rodolfo de; Pimenta, Alexandre Santos

doi:10.1590/1983-40632025v5581998

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Review Article • Pesqui. Agropecu. Trop. 55 • 2025 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-40632025v5581998 linkcopy

Typological classification of bamboo: from the advent of microscopy to artificial intelligence¹

Classificação tipológica de bambu: do advento da microscopia à inteligência artificial

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

ABSTRACT

Many bamboo species are used as lignocellulosic raw materials for different purposes; therefore, their correct classification is necessary. A bibliographic survey on the stem anatomy of various bamboo species was carried out to better characterize their anatomical structural differences, with special attention to the description of the evolutionary process of the vascular bundles typological classification. Analyzes carried out since the emergence of electron microscopy to the innovative use of artificial intelligence were considered, as well as collected information on the morphological characterization and anatomy of species, with emphasis on the classification patterns of fibers, parenchyma cells, sclerenchyma sheath and conducting/vascular channels (xylem and phloem), which can be used by artificial intelligence tools to speed up and qualify the correct identification of genera and species. Anatomical differences make it possible to classify the material, with the most relevant aspects being the shape of the vascular bundle, as well as the fibers distribution and content.

KEYWORDS:
Monocotyledons; fibrovascular bundles; lignocellulose

Type	Characteristics	Ocurrence
I	Formed by a single portion of central vascular thread, it presents only sclerenchyma sheaths as supporting tissue. In its intercellular space there are tyloses.	In species that present spreading rhizomes (leptomorphs), which develop from a complex network of underground rhizomes, with an intensely invasive habit, with emphasis on the Arundinaria, Phyllostachys and Tetragonocalamus genera.
II	Similar to the previous type (with central vascular thread and sclerenchyma sheath as supporting tissue); however, the intercellular space (protoxylem) is broader and there is no occurrence of tyloses.	Bamboos that have pachymorphic rhizomes in clumps or single culm formation. Subdivided into two groups: one formed by the Melocanna, Schizostachyum and Teinostachyum genera, in which vascular bundles of types II and III occur in the basal internodes, or also by the Cephalostachyum genus, in which only vascular bundles of type II occur, mainly in the middle and upper parts, but sometimes also at the base.
III	Composed of two parts: i) central vascular strand; ii) fiber strand. The fiber strand is inside the central strand. The separate fiber strands become smaller towards the outside and join the sclerenchyma sheaths. The sheaths in the intercellular space (protoxylem) are generally smaller than the others.	This bundle type occurs in clumping species (pachymorphs), mainly in the middle and upper part of the bamboo. In the Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Gigantochloa and Thyrsostachys genera, in the internodes of the base, it may be combined with type IV. In Melocanna, Schizostachyum and Teinostachyum, combined with type II. In some Oxytenanthera spp. as the only type throughout the culm.
IV	Composed of three parts, namely, a central vascular thread and the fiber thread in two subdivisions: external to the central thread, and inside the central thread.	In species formed by pachymorphic, clumping rhizomes of the Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Gigantochloa and Thyrsostachys genera, they always occur in combination with type III, mainly in the basal culms and rarely in the median ones. This type is almost entirely restricted to the thick-walled basal internodes and is later replaced by type III.

Type	Characteristics	Ocurrence
I	Consisting of a central vascular cord; supporting tissue only as sclerenchyma sheath.	Exclusively in the Arundinaria, Phyllostachys, Fargeria and Sinanundinaria genera.
II	Constituted by a central vascular cord, supporting tissue only as sclerenchyma sheath; sheath in the intercellular space (protoxylem) notably more prominent than the other three.	Exclusively in the Cephalostachyum and Pleioblastus genera. It also occurs together with type III in the Melocanna and Schizostachyum genera.
III	Consisting of two parts, a central vascular cord with sclerenchyma sheaths and an isolated fiber bundle.	Exclusively in the Oxytenanthera genus, but also jointly with type III in the Melocanna and Schizostachyum genera.
IV	Composed of three parts, a central vascular cord with small sclerenchyma sheaths and two isolated fiber bundles outside and inside the central cord.	Together with type III in the Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Gigantochloa and Sinoclamus genera.
V	A semi-open type that represents one more.	Not described.

Types	Description	Subtypes
Asymmetric vascular bundles	Characterized by an uneven distribution of fiber and parenchyma tissues around the vascular elements (xylem and phloem). These variations influence the mechanical properties and the adaptation of bamboo to environmental conditions and structural functions.	Bundles with a greater concentration of fibers on the inner side of the stalk offer high resistance to internal compression.
Asymmetric vascular bundles		Bundles with a greater concentration of fibers on the outside, providing higher tensile strength.
Symmetricalvascularbundles	They are characterized by a uniform distribution of fiber and parenchyma tissues around the vascular elements. This provides a balanced and efficient structure for the conduction of water and nutrients and uniform mechanical resistance to the bamboo stem.	Characterized by a uniform distribution of fiber and parenchyma tissues around the vascular elements, providing a balanced and efficient structure for the conduction of water and nutrients and uniform mechanical resistance to the bamboo culm.
Symmetricalvascularbundles		Bundles with uniform parenchyma thickness around the vessels: it helps in the efficient conduction of resources and a stable structure.
Compound vascular bundles	Combining the characteristics of symmetrical and asymmetrical bundles, characterized by variation in fibers and parenchyma. Additionally, being adaptable and multifunctional, they contribute to the bamboo’s structural and functional flexibility, allowing the plant to adapt to environments and growth demands.	They show a significant variation in the distribution of fibers and parenchyma around the vascular elements. This variation can be in both the quantity and location of the tissues. They can have different shapes and sizes, reflecting an adaptation to varied functions and environmental conditions.
Double vascular bundles	Characterized by two series of vascular elements, which are specialized, offering efficiency in the conduction of water and nutrients and mechanical resistance, being a vital adaptation to support structural loads and varied environmental conditions.	Two sets of vessels often arranged concentrically, with layers of fibers and parenchyma surrounding the vascular bundle.
Ringed vascular bundles	Presenting an arrangement of concentric rings of fibers and parenchyma around the vascular elements, which provide higher structural resistance and flexibility, being a vital adaptation to support types of loads and mechanical stresses.	Bundles with continuous rings: the rings of fibers and parenchyma form a continuous structure around the vessels.
Ringed vascular bundles		Bundles with discontinuous and interrupted rings, forming separate segments of fibers and parenchyma.

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Typological classification of bamboo: from the advent of microscopy to artificial intelligence1

Classificação tipológica de bambu: do advento da microscopia à inteligência artificial

ABSTRACT

Typological classification of bamboo: from the advent of microscopy to artificial intelligence¹