Gelidocalamus fengkaiensis (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), a new bamboo species from Guangdong, China, with an analysis of branch development in relation to flowering

Abstract Background Bamboos, widely distributed in temperate and tropical Asia, Africa America, refer to a group of special plants Poaceae, Bambusoideae. China is rich bamboo species. However, due long flowering cycle, the habit structure many species are still not well understood. Here, we report new from Guangdong, an analysis its interesting branch development relation flowering. Results This similar G. stellatus , type species, but differs characteristics lemma palea, mid-culm complement, culm-sheath ligules. The initial branches at culm node do apically develop structures during episode; instead, these form on what appears be specialized branches. Conclusions results morphological comparison support recognition Gelidocalamus fengkaiensis as And episode, two types (‘foliage branch’ ‘flowering branch’) can distinguished this