Characterization of the Rhizome of Moso Bamboo

抄録

Although culms of bamboo are utilized for various materials, technologies for effective use of bamboo rhizomes have not been established yet. In this study, therefore we analyzed the rhizomes of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) to determine their chemical components and to quantify various inorganic substances for the purpose of the investigation of their fundamental characteristics. The ash and extractable compounds contents were much higher in the rhizomes than in the culms. The lignin and cellulose contents were higher in the culms than in the rhizomes. The hemicellulose content was higher in the rhizomes than in the culms. The ash particles formed various shapes: needles, grains, and fluff. The ash particles contained high levels of O, Mg, Si, P, S, and K. We mapped the localization of various inorganic substances in the rhizome, and observed that Si was concentrated in the epidermis. The distributions of elements were different among various tissues in the rhizome such as metaphloem and tylosoid. The amount of extractives tended to increase in rhizomes from summer to autumn. The amount of free saccharides such as sucrose, glucose and fructose, and starch tended to decrease in summer and increase from winter to spring. The highest free saccharides and starch content (12%) was in rhizomes collected in April. Sucrose and starch were the main components of total free saccharides and starch in all seasons.