Bamboos, often known as the tree grasses, are an ecologically and economically important group of primarily tropical plants. The tall, graceful plume-like stems of bamboo are a familiar element of any tropical scene, but bamboos are actually very diverse in size, form, and habitat. In addition to the typical "giant" bamboos, some species are very grass-like with relatively soft stems, while others are vines or shrubs. Many bamboos grow in or near the tropical lowland forest, but many species can be found in high montane forests, with some species occurring at high elevations on windswept ridges. Some hardy bamboos grow in the temperate zone and can survive frost and snow. Although there are approximately 1000 species of bamboos in the world, most have not been studied intensively because of their size and the difficulty in collecting them. Dr. Lynn Clark of Iowa State University will study a group of 30 or so species of viny bamboos native to South America, mostly in Brazil. Although these species have little current economic use, they are common in the lower montane forests of eastern Brazil and are ecologically important. The first step will be the observation and collection of these plants in the field, aided by collaborating Brazilian students and researchers. Pressed and dried specimens, and leaves and flowers preserved in liquid, will be taken back to the laboratory for the second step, involving detailed comparative studies of morphology, cytology, and anatomy. Once the data are assembled, a complete description of each species will be prepared, along with geographical distribution data and notes on habitat and flowering and fruiting behavior. The third step of the study involves a higher level of analysis, in which the evolutionary relationships among these bamboo species are explored by searching for consistent patterns of unique biological similarities. The results of this project will have application for those interested in the inventory, conservation, and ecology of native American bamboos, the economic potential of bamboos, and the diversity and evolution of grasses.
