Abstract

Bamboos constitute one of a few select categories of plants which are taxonomically related, very rich in species and of vital economic and ecological importance. Since the early 20th century the accepted number of species of bamboos, world wide, has tripled. However, until now information was scattered through numerous, often not easily available publications.

The Bamboos of the World, is the first comprehensive (taxonomic as well as horticultural) reference work that provides basic information on bamboos world wide, whether they are wild or cultivated, well-known or rather unknown. The work, based on bamboo literature, facilitates access to further data by citation and a comprehensive bibliography. Among the main data included are botanical names with synonyms, and geographical distribution of genera and species, varieties with their distinctive characters, common bamboo names, plant introductions to the West, plant size and uses. The distribution of genera is mapped.

The Bamboos of the World presents a wealth of essential information in an accessible and structured manner. It gives the opportunity to check under what names, and where, relevant information on any bamboo can be found. For the researcher with management and development interests it provides a convenient means of basing bamboo resource on a sound understanding of generic and species relationships, with names that appear in earlier literature put into context. The work should prove to be invaluable for those interested in the morphology, taxonomy, distribution and cultivation of bamboos. It should support botanical, forestry, horticultural and ecological research, training and resource management.
(G.D. Dreyer, Connecticut College)
Ohrnberger has prepared a particularly useful reference volume for researchers, plant collectors, horticulturists, botanical garden staff, and anyone else working with bamboo plants....one of the most welcome aspects of this work is the listing of past names, with references, for all taxa.
Choice
(G. Shor, La Jolla, CA, USA)
What is best about the book is his listing of the papers that describe each bamboo, and the papers that changed the names again and again....It is an essential reference book, giving the status of the field as of about 1996.
American Bamboo Society Newsletter
(D. McClintock)
Here is treasure trove for bamboo buffs. But it is invaluable also for ordinary mortals needing to know where a given name belongs....The whole book is beautifully produced and strongly recommended.
Plant Heritage, Vol. 7/1
(D. McClintock)
This is a unique fund of factual information unlikely to be superseded for a long time.
IDS Yearbook