WBC-VIII-Vol.4 – Resources – Forestry, Plantations and ... - BambuSC

inventory of harvestable volume and distribution of standing stock, appropriate harvesting methods, and on
propagation as well as development and management of plantations.
Introduction
Bamboo is one of the most versatile and economically important forest products. It contributes to the
subsistence needs of over a billion people in rural communities throughout the world. Among its traditional
uses include fuel, wood, medicine, shelter, agricultural tools, and containers, hunting and fishing gear and other
items for household purposes. Its processing and utilization for industrial products also play a vital role in
livelihood and economic development in rural and urban areas. These include production of pulp and paper,
housing and building construction materials as well as furniture and handicrafts. However, such products are
processed mainly from erect-type bamboos. Scanty information is available on the domestic or industrial
utilization of climbing bamboos.
This paper presents a perspective on the existing status of the resource as well as R&D breakthroughs and
needed directions to enhance the utilization of climbing bamboos in the country.
Description Status of the Resource
Based on rhizome structure bamboo is classified as sympodial and monopodial (Rojo et al 2000). The former
has several culms per clump while the latter is single-stemmed. Morever, the growth habit of the culms can be
classified into erect and climbing type.
A climbing type can be easily distinguished from an erect bamboo by having crooked or zigzag culms with
relatively small diameter (1-5 cm) which grow to considerable height and bear many branches at the nodal
portion. The dominant branch may grow to the same diameter as the main culm forming ramified crown
structures that cannot stand upward (Escobin et al 2005). Thus, they climb nearby trees for mechanical support
above the ground or scramble over sloping ground or up rocky slopes and creek embankments in the forests.
Number of species and distribution
Rojo (1996) listed only 14 climbing bamboo species in the Philippines based on available literature. Recent
botanizing activities by Escobin et al (as cited) reported the existence of 16 species under three genera:
Dinochloa (8 spp.); Cyrtochloa (7 spp); and Cephalostachyum (1 sp).
The Dinochloa species are the “true” climbers while Cyrtochloa and Cephalostachyum species have scrambling,
trailing or clambering culms. Two of the 16 identified species are commonly found in the Philippines and
Borneo. The rest are endemic or found only in the country (Table 1). They grow gregariously whenever found
from low altitude to 800 m above sea level. Most species have restricted distribution or are found only in a
particular locality/province. However, D. luconiae and D. acutiflora occur throughout the Philippines.
VIII World Bamboo Congress Proceedings Vol 4-26