Variations in Fiber Morphology and Chemical Components ofDendrocalamus giganteus

Abstract The fiber and chemical properties of Dendrocalamus giganteus at three ages from three different sites in China were investigated. For samples from all sites, the fibers in the middle internodes of culms were longer than those of other internodes. A similar trend was also observed within one internode. The fiber achieved its maximum length after 1 year, but the maximum length differed with site. The chemical composition and fiber characteristics also varied with height and site. Bamboo culms at the age of 3 years were suitable for utilization purposes, and the bamboos of Cangyuan provenance were the best for pulping and processing. They were also more suitable for popularization as a timber-yielding type owing to having the longest fibers and the lowest ratio of wall thickness to lumen diameter, the lowest SiO2 and lignin contents, and the highest holocellulose content.