Authors:Evanylla Kharlyngdoh; Barik, S.K
Abstract:Of the 35 bamboo species recorded from Meghalaya. 32 (91.4%) species under 9 genera are sympodial type and only three (8.6%) species under two genera are monopodial type. Four of these species are endemic to North-East India. A maximum number of 22 bamboo species were found in tropical forests (0-900 m a.s.i.). followed by 19 species in subtropical forests (900-1200 m a.s.L) and 18 species in temperate forests (1200-2000 m a.s.L). Twelve (34.3%) species have been described as wild, three (8.6%) species as cultivated, four (11.4%) species as planted and 16 (45.7%) as both cultivated and wild. Fifteen species reported earlier could not be located during the present survey. lbis has been attributed to taxonomic arnbiguity and redetinition of the State political boundary. A survey on the uses of bamboo revealed that 14 bamboo species are edible, 11 species are used as raw material for paper, pulp and rayon, 21 species are used for construction, scaffolding, flooring, walling, rooting and fencing. 24 species for agricultural implements, handicrafts, matting and basketry, four species for other uses such as sports goods, musical instruments and tive species a, ornamentals. The most commonly used species are Bambusa balcooa, B. bambos, B. cacharensis, B. jailltiana, B. nulans. B. tulda, Dendrocalamus hamUtonU, D. hooked, D. sikkimensis, D. strictus, Melocanna baccifera, Schizostachyum dullooa and S. mannii.
Keywords:bamboos; edible species; endemic species; forests; raw materials; spatial distribution; species diversity; species richn