Typological classification of bamboo: from the advent of microscopy to artificial intelligence1

ABSTRACT Many bamboo species are used as lignocellulosic raw materials for different purposes; therefore, their correct classification is necessary. A bibliographic survey on the stem anatomy of various bamboo species was carried out to better characterize their anatomical structural differences, with special attention to the description of the evolutionary process of the vascular bundles typological classification. Analyzes carried out since the emergence of electron microscopy to the innovative use of artificial intelligence were considered, as well as collected information on the morphological characterization and anatomy of species, with emphasis on the classification patterns of fibers, parenchyma cells, sclerenchyma sheath and conducting/vascular channels (xylem and phloem), which can be used by artificial intelligence tools to speed up and qualify the correct identification of genera and species. Anatomical differences make it possible to classify the material, with the most relevant aspects being the shape of the vascular bundle, as well as the fibers distribution and content.