Anatomical and density properties of <i>Oxytenanthera abyssinica</i> culm

Abstract Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro is the only indigenous bamboo species in Ghana but remains underutilized. Investigating the technological properties of O. abyssinica culms could facilitate it efficient processing and comprehensive utilization. In this study, the anatomical and density properties of matured culms of O. abyssinica growing in the savanna region of Ghana were examined. The anatomy of the intermodal culm wall of O. abyssinica showed a monocotyledonous stem structure. The wall structures showed distinct outer cortex, central cylinder comprising vascular bundles embedded in a ground parenchyma and an inner pith ring. O. abyssinica exhibited a combination of type III and IV vascular bundles. Furthermore, tissue proportions, fiber characteristics and other properties including, internode length and diameter, and culm wall thickness, varied significantly with culm positions but basic density was not impacted by axial positions. The anatomical and density properties could facilitate the efficient processing and utilization of this underutilized bamboo species.