THE FIRST REPORT OF FLOWERING AND FRUITING PHENOMENON IN MELOCANNA BACCIFERA (Roxb.) Kurz In Nepal BY KESHAB SHRESTHA NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM TRIBHUVAN.

THE FIRST REPORT OF FLOWERING AND FRUITING THE FIRST REPORT OF FLOWERING AND FRUITING PHENOMENON IN PHENOMENON IN MELOCANNA BACCIFERAMELOCANNA BACCIFERA

(Roxb.) Kurz In Nepal(Roxb.) Kurz In Nepal

BY BY KESHAB SHRESTHAKESHAB SHRESTHA

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMNATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMTRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITYTRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

KATHMANDU, NEPALKATHMANDU, NEPAL

A Paper Presented In The VIIIA Paper Presented In The VIIIthth World Bamboo World Bamboo Congress, Bangkok, ThailandCongress, Bangkok, Thailand

20092009

Nepal’s Position in the WorldNepal’s Position in the World

Introduction

Nepal is a small country in the world occupying about 0.09 percent of the earth’s surface with the area of 147,181 sq.km. Due to topographical variation within a short range starting from 64m of elevation to the highest altitude of 8,848 m, Nepal is regarded as a high biodiversity zone and possesses 6500 species of higher plants including Bamboo species. Nepal possesses 81 species of bamboo out of 1,573 species worldwide. It comes to be about 5.21 percent in world’s ratio.

In Nepal,bamboo occupies about 62,890 hectares of In Nepal,bamboo occupies about 62,890 hectares of land. The natural forest hosts 38,000 hectares and rest is land. The natural forest hosts 38,000 hectares and rest is agricultural land. The total standing stock has been agricultural land. The total standing stock has been estimated at 15 million cubic meters with biomass value of estimated at 15 million cubic meters with biomass value of 1,060 metric tons. The annual production of bamboo is 1,060 metric tons. The annual production of bamboo is estimated at 3.01 million cubic of which 2.64 million culms estimated at 3.01 million cubic of which 2.64 million culms are consumed locally and 0.64 million culms are exported are consumed locally and 0.64 million culms are exported to India (Kesari, 2005).to India (Kesari, 2005).

Nepal has 5 genera and 27 species under Nepal has 5 genera and 27 species under large bamboo species which are commonly called large bamboo species which are commonly called Bans in local language and come in Bambusae Bans in local language and come in Bambusae tribe. Small bamboos include 15 genera and 35 tribe. Small bamboos include 15 genera and 35 species. On the other hand 3 genera and 4 species. On the other hand 3 genera and 4 species fall under dwarf bamboo species. Of species fall under dwarf bamboo species. Of them, 45 species are indigenous and rest is them, 45 species are indigenous and rest is exotic. exotic. Melocanna bacciferaMelocanna baccifera is a large bamboo is a large bamboo species found in Nepalspecies found in Nepal..

MethodologyMethodology

Eastern and Central Nepal were visited in course Eastern and Central Nepal were visited in course of regular plant survey from Natural History Museum, of regular plant survey from Natural History Museum, likewise a private visit was also arranged to study the likewise a private visit was also arranged to study the fruiting phenomenon. Information were gathered from fruiting phenomenon. Information were gathered from the local people. Interviewing with local inhabitants and the local people. Interviewing with local inhabitants and collection of the samples were done during the flowering collection of the samples were done during the flowering and non-flowering seasons. A detail study of the and non-flowering seasons. A detail study of the flowering and fruiting was done at the Pourai village in flowering and fruiting was done at the Pourai village in Rautahat district of central Nepal. Vegetation of the Rautahat district of central Nepal. Vegetation of the surrounding bamboo area was also noted along with surrounding bamboo area was also noted along with their local names and identified (Shrestha, 1998) during their local names and identified (Shrestha, 1998) during the study period. Other relevant literatures (Anonymous the study period. Other relevant literatures (Anonymous 1998, Poudyal 2006, Keshari (2005), Shrestha 1998, 1998, Poudyal 2006, Keshari (2005), Shrestha 1998, Stepleton 1994, Gamble 1896 and Shibata, 2008 - Stepleton 1994, Gamble 1896 and Shibata, 2008 - personal communication 2008) were consulted. Help personal communication 2008) were consulted. Help from sketching and photographs were also taken. from sketching and photographs were also taken.

Result

There are altogether five species of Melocanna, but Nepal represents only one described species so far. The author for the first time found this species from east Nepal in 1996. This species is very interesting in terms of culms, rhizomes and fruits, but there was no report of fruiting of this species till 2008.

The author found the species in Bahundangi and The author found the species in Bahundangi and Sanischare village of Jhapa district in east Nepal and in Pourai Sanischare village of Jhapa district in east Nepal and in Pourai village in Rautahat district of central Nepal. Vegetation growing village in Rautahat district of central Nepal. Vegetation growing around the bamboo clump in Pourai village during study period is around the bamboo clump in Pourai village during study period is given in Table 1. Ethnic people living around the bamboo clump in given in Table 1. Ethnic people living around the bamboo clump in the village are noted as Bomjong, Tamang, Kami, Majhi, Thing, the village are noted as Bomjong, Tamang, Kami, Majhi, Thing, Thokar etc. Thus their concerned with the bamboo was also studied. Thokar etc. Thus their concerned with the bamboo was also studied. The culms were found growing along the edge of the paddy field The culms were found growing along the edge of the paddy field where it formed a line of culms surrounding the agricultural land. where it formed a line of culms surrounding the agricultural land. The bamboo was erect, smooth without any branches and was The bamboo was erect, smooth without any branches and was cylindrical (Fig. 1). The erect shoot has uniform culms whose cylindrical (Fig. 1). The erect shoot has uniform culms whose diameter was almost 5.0 cm and culm height ranges from 15.0 to diameter was almost 5.0 cm and culm height ranges from 15.0 to 18.3 cm, the culms were green and spiny, occasionally with 18.3 cm, the culms were green and spiny, occasionally with yellowish-green internodes and white cuticles below the nodes. The yellowish-green internodes and white cuticles below the nodes. The culm-wall was thin and non durable. Culm-sheaths were persistent culm-wall was thin and non durable. Culm-sheaths were persistent and brittle. Sheath blade was very long and narrow. Half of the and brittle. Sheath blade was very long and narrow. Half of the culms were without branches. Almost similar sized branches arose culms were without branches. Almost similar sized branches arose from every node. The leaves were large.from every node. The leaves were large.

Inflorescence: The inflorescence was large compound Inflorescence: The inflorescence was large compound panicle. Spikelets were acuminate fasciculate and one panicle. Spikelets were acuminate fasciculate and one sided. There were two types of flowers; one was in fertile sided. There were two types of flowers; one was in fertile stage and the next on sterile nodes in the same culm. The stage and the next on sterile nodes in the same culm. The fertile flowers were at the lower nodes whereas sterile were fertile flowers were at the lower nodes whereas sterile were at the upper nodes of the culms. There were several sterile at the upper nodes of the culms. There were several sterile and fertile flowers arising from the same nodes and were and fertile flowers arising from the same nodes and were hanging down from the nodes .hanging down from the nodes .

Empty sterile glumes were indefinite, acuminate, and Empty sterile glumes were indefinite, acuminate, and striate. Flowering glumes similar to empty glumes, palea striate. Flowering glumes similar to empty glumes, palea also similar, not keeled. also similar, not keeled.

Lodules two and narrowLodules two and narrowStamens five to sevenStamens five to sevenFilaments free or irregularly joinedFilaments free or irregularly joinedOvary glabrousOvary glabrousStyle elongatedStyle elongatedStigma two to four, short and hairyStigma two to four, short and hairyFruit caryopsis, very large and pear shaped (Fig. 5) with Fruit caryopsis, very large and pear shaped (Fig. 5) with long beaked pericarp very thick, Greenish-yellowish-white long beaked pericarp very thick, Greenish-yellowish-white skin externally. Small whitish ovules were embedded in a skin externally. Small whitish ovules were embedded in a cavity filled with liquid (Fig. 5)cavity filled with liquid (Fig. 5)

Ethnobotany: Ethnobotany: Melocanna bacciferaMelocanna baccifera are reported in many parts of are reported in many parts of Nepal except from far west region. In the eastern Jhapa, Central in Nepal except from far west region. In the eastern Jhapa, Central in Rautahat and Chitwan and Pokhara, Syangja and Palpa districts in Rautahat and Chitwan and Pokhara, Syangja and Palpa districts in the west.the west.

Locally the species is known as Locally the species is known as Philinge BansPhilinge Bans in the eastern in the eastern and and Lahure BansLahure Bans in the western Nepal. In central Nepal, it does not in the western Nepal. In central Nepal, it does not have any common name.have any common name.

Since the fruiting was not observed before (Anonymous, Since the fruiting was not observed before (Anonymous, 2008) , most of the peoples believe that the bamboo has never a big 2008) , most of the peoples believe that the bamboo has never a big fruit like fruit like MelocannaMelocanna and the fruiting is due to some misfortune. Due and the fruiting is due to some misfortune. Due to this ignorance, villagers cut all the culms and throw them away to this ignorance, villagers cut all the culms and throw them away (Fig. 6).(Fig. 6).

The fruits are used as game ball for children. Hundreds of The fruits are used as game ball for children. Hundreds of people visited this place to see this unique body of fruit (Fig. 7). people visited this place to see this unique body of fruit (Fig. 7). Children generally cut the fruit and tasted the sap inside which they Children generally cut the fruit and tasted the sap inside which they liked most due to its sweet test like that of coconut-fluid. People do liked most due to its sweet test like that of coconut-fluid. People do not have idea that the shoots are edible, but villagers before fruiting not have idea that the shoots are edible, but villagers before fruiting used the culm for basketry, mat, house wall, roof gum or fluid and used the culm for basketry, mat, house wall, roof gum or fluid and leaves as fodder. The bamboos were planted nearby their houses or leaves as fodder. The bamboos were planted nearby their houses or huts and kitchen garden. Other species of bamboo like huts and kitchen garden. Other species of bamboo like Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa nutans, and Dendrocalamus Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa nutans, and Dendrocalamus giganteangigantean were also noticed in central and east Nepal. They are used were also noticed in central and east Nepal. They are used as hedge to boader paddy fields and consider ornamental due to its as hedge to boader paddy fields and consider ornamental due to its beautiful poles and amphimorph or metamorph nature. Due to its beautiful poles and amphimorph or metamorph nature. Due to its more publicity, media were also attracted to the village and made more publicity, media were also attracted to the village and made interesting telecast in television also. Popular newspapers are interesting telecast in television also. Popular newspapers are looking for more information about this bamboo species. The author looking for more information about this bamboo species. The author made clear of the rumors that such phenomena with this bamboo made clear of the rumors that such phenomena with this bamboo occur once in 7-51 years in other countries like India, Bangladesh, occur once in 7-51 years in other countries like India, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. This was the first China, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. This was the first observation in Nepal; this bamboo has many values and should be observation in Nepal; this bamboo has many values and should be conserved effectively. conserved effectively.

Table 1. Associate Species around Melocanna baccifera Grove in Pourai Village, Rautahat District

1. Ficus semicordata (Kanyu) 23. Moringa oleifera (Sahijan)2. Morus macroura (Kimbu) 24. Bombax ceiba3. Zingiber 25. Caesalpinia dicapeta (Arile kanda)4. Anthocephalus chinensis (Kadam) 26. Mimosa pudica (Lajwanti)5. Zizyphus mauritiana (Bayer) 27. Ricinus communis (Ander)6. Bauhinia variegata (Koiralo) 28. Cynodon dactylon (Dubo)7. Syzygium cumini (Jamun) 29. Stellaria monosperma (Jethi madhu)8. Piper longum (Pipla) 30. Bambusa nutans (Mal bans)9. Solanum surrattense (Kantakari) 31. Dendrocalamus strictus (Lathi

bans)10. Cissampelos pareira (Kalikow) 32. Dendrocalamus hookeri (Bhalu bans)11. Musa paradisiaca (Kera) 33. Bambusa multiplex12. Ageratum conyzoides (Gande) 34. Schleichera oleosa (Kusum)13. Amaranthus spinosus (Lunde kanda) 35. Prunus persica (Aru)14. Shorea robusta (Sal) 36. Anogeissus latifolia (Bhanjhi)15. Dioscorea bulbifera 37. Litchi chinensis (Litchi)16. Colebrookea oppositifolia (Gittha) 38. Perilla frutescens (Silam)17. Thysanolaena maxima (Amliso) 39. Lagerstroemia parviflora

(Botdhaiyaro)18. Ficus racemosa (Dumri) 40. Cannabis sativa (Bhang)19. Tinospora sinensis (Gurjo) 41. Persicaria pentagyna (Pire)20. Annona squamata (Saripha) 42. Polygonum hidropiper21. Dalbergia sisso (Sisau) 43. Diplazium esculentum (Pani

nyuro)22. Eupatorium odoratum (Tite hawi)

AcknowledgementAcknowledgement

The author is thankful to the Natural History Museum, The author is thankful to the Natural History Museum, Tribhuvan University for all the necessary permission for Tribhuvan University for all the necessary permission for this study. Thanks are due to the local and media this study. Thanks are due to the local and media peoples of that area for encouragement and remarks on peoples of that area for encouragement and remarks on the conservation of the bamboo. Last but not the least the conservation of the bamboo. Last but not the least thanks are due to Mr. Bhaiya Khanal, Associate thanks are due to Mr. Bhaiya Khanal, Associate Professor for his constant help in the field and reading Professor for his constant help in the field and reading this manuscript.this manuscript.

Reference:Reference:

Anonymous, 2008: Samacharpatra daily newspaper, Nepal. May 10Anonymous, 2008: Samacharpatra daily newspaper, Nepal. May 10

Anonymous, 1998. Distribution of Bamboos in India. Bamboo and Rattan Genetic Anonymous, 1998. Distribution of Bamboos in India. Bamboo and Rattan Genetic Resources in Certain Asian Countries. Edited by Vivekananda, K., A.N. Resources in Certain Asian Countries. Edited by Vivekananda, K., A.N.

Rao Rao and V. Ramanatha Rao. IPGRI, INBAR, Malaysia.Pp 46-61.and V. Ramanatha Rao. IPGRI, INBAR, Malaysia.Pp 46-61.Gamble, J. S. 1896. The Bambusae of British India, Annals of the Royal Botanic Gamble, J. S. 1896. The Bambusae of British India, Annals of the Royal Botanic

Garden, Calcutta, Micro Methods Limited, Johnson Reprint Garden, Calcutta, Micro Methods Limited, Johnson Reprint Corporation.Corporation.Keshari, V.P. 2005. Bamboo: From Poor Man’s Timber to Green Gold. Hamro Keshari, V.P. 2005. Bamboo: From Poor Man’s Timber to Green Gold. Hamro

Kalpana Brikshya (15) (164): 10-14, Department of Forest, Kathmandu, Kalpana Brikshya (15) (164): 10-14, Department of Forest, Kathmandu, Nepal.Nepal.Poudyal, P.P. 2006: Bamboos of Sikkim (India), Bhutan and Nepal. New Hira Poudyal, P.P. 2006: Bamboos of Sikkim (India), Bhutan and Nepal. New Hira Books Books Enterprises, Nepal.Enterprises, Nepal.Seethalakshi, K.K and M.S. Muktesh Kumar1998. Bamboos of India a Seethalakshi, K.K and M.S. Muktesh Kumar1998. Bamboos of India a compendium. compendium. Bamboo Information centre-India, Kerala Forest Research Bamboo Information centre-India, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi and Institute, Peechi and International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, Endogen and New DelhiBeijing, Endogen and New DelhiShibata, S. 2008. Personnel communication by email.Shibata, S. 2008. Personnel communication by email.Shrestha, K. 1998. Distribution and Status of Bamboos in Nepal. Bamboo Shrestha, K. 1998. Distribution and Status of Bamboos in Nepal. Bamboo Workshop Workshop and Conference, and Conference, Integrated Plant Genetic Research International, Beijing, RP. China Integrated Plant Genetic Research International, Beijing, RP. China www2.bioversityinternational.org/publications/Web_version/572/ch29.htm www2.bioversityinternational.org/publications/Web_version/572/ch29.htm Shrestha. K. 1998. Dictionary of Nepalese Plants Name. Mandalal Book Point, Shrestha. K. 1998. Dictionary of Nepalese Plants Name. Mandalal Book Point,

Kathmndu, NepalKathmndu, NepalSlapleton, C. 1994: Bamboos of Nepal. Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, Richmond, Slapleton, C. 1994: Bamboos of Nepal. Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, Richmond,

Survey. TW9 3AE, England, U.K.Survey. TW9 3AE, England, U.K.

Physiographic Zones with Phytogeographic Divisions Physiographic Zones with Phytogeographic Divisions and Distribution of and Distribution of Melocanna bacciferaMelocanna baccifera in Nepal in Nepal

Classification of Melocanna baccifera

Kingdom : Plantae (Plants) Division : Magnoliophyta (Flowering Plants) Class : Liliopsida (Monocotyledon) Sub class : Commelinidae (Non-Petaloid Monocots) Order : Poaks (Grasses and related monocots) Family : Gramineae (Poaceae); Grasses Sub family : Bambusoideae Tribe : Bambuseae (wood bamboos) Genus : Melocanna Species : M. beccifera Chua et al., 1996, shor 2005, Bamboo species Source list No. 26,2006

Characteristic/Features of Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz

Pachymorph species : Amphimorph or metomorph or internediate

Uniform, erect culm diameter of around 5.0 cm and height 15-18.0cm.

Intermode : Yellowish green with white below the nodes

Culm-walls : Thin of about 5mm only

Culm-sheaths : Persistent, height shorter than width

Culm-sheath Blade : Long and narrow

Branches : In upper half of the culm many same size branches in node

Leaves : Large

Inflorescence : Large compound panicle, one spikelets, spikelets acuminate fasciculate

Fertile 2. Sterile flower

Empty sterile glumes indefinite, acuminate, striate.

Flowering glumes : Similar to empty glumes; Palea also similar, convolute, not needed

Lodicules 2, narrow

Stamens 5 to 7.

Filament free or irregularly joined. Ovary. Glabrous

Style – elongate

Stigma 2 to 4, hairy

Caryopsis very large, Pear-shaped. Long beaked. Pericarp very thick

M. bacciferaM. baccifera culms in Jhapa district culms in Jhapa district

Distribution of Distribution of Melocanna bacciferaMelocanna bacciferaSouth and South-East Asia, upto 1,220 mSouth and South-East Asia, upto 1,220 m

Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and NepalNepal

In Nepal : Jhapa, Rautahat, Syanja,Palpa In Nepal : Jhapa, Rautahat, Syanja,Palpa

3 species of Melocanna

Melocanna arundina M. baccifera M. bambusoides

Different names of Different names of M. bacciferaM. baccifera

• Nepali – Philinge bans lkmlnË] afF;, Lahure bans

nfx'/] afF;• Assam – Tarai• Bengal – Muli• Manipur – Moubi• Nagaland – Turiah• Dhaka – Nali• Myanmar – Kayin-wa

Flowering Record in Melocanna baccifera

Cachar and Manipur 1967 (Nath, 1968)

Dehra Dun 1992 (Sharma 1992)

Pune 1993 (Seethalakshmi & Kumar 1998)

Flowers: For the first time in Nepal flowers appeared in 2007. The flower started to appear in 2007 and lasted till the summer of 2008. Thereafter large sized fruiting resembling a pear appeared in early 2008. Its fruiting attracted many peoples of that area.

Flowering Record

1863, 1866, 1892, 1900-1902, 1910-1912, 1933, 1960 (Chatterjee 1960, Veid 1972)

Flowering Period

Gamble (1896) 30 years

Kurz (1876) 30-35 years

Troup (1921) 45 years

A close view of A close view of M. bacciferaM. baccifera with culm sheath with culm sheath

Non-flowering clump may be ready for plantationNon-flowering clump may be ready for plantation

Internode with a bunch of flowering spikesInternode with a bunch of flowering spikes

Flowering branch even arising from the sea

About 20-22 braches spread from the internodes. Flowering branches with fruit

Developing fruits of Developing fruits of M. bacciferaM. baccifera

Villagers cut down all the branches and culmVillagers cut down all the branches and culm

Flowering and empty branches with fruits of Flowering and empty branches with fruits of M. bacciferaM. baccifera

Empty branches at the top of clump

Fruiting branches at the internodes (below) while empty branches hanging above

A clump planted at NHM, Swayambhu Environment Park

Fruits of M. baccifera in Paurai village, Rautahat

Look like a mango, coconut or a pear

M. baccifera with fruits

Fallen down culm still in tact with fruits (M. baccifera)

Villagers showing the fruiting branch

Nearby village where Nearby village where M. bacciferaM. baccifera bloomed bloomed

Bamboo product in Hat bazaarBamboo product in Hat bazaar

Fruits of Fruits of M. bacciferaM. baccifera of different sizes of different sizes

Closer view with section Closer view with section M. bacciferaM. baccifera

Section showing internal cavity with fruit

Fruits-Fruits everywhere Fruits-Fruits everywhere M. bacciferaM. baccifera (Lahure bans) (Lahure bans)

ConclusionConclusion

Flowering of Flowering of Melocanna bacciferaMelocanna baccifera occurs after a period of 30-40 occurs after a period of 30-40 years, but propagation of this bamboo is as easy as other species. years, but propagation of this bamboo is as easy as other species. Seeds if available propagation will be equally easy but from Seeds if available propagation will be equally easy but from propagates this species could be easily proliferated even in propagates this species could be easily proliferated even in Kathmandu. There are evidences that the fruit even germinate in the Kathmandu. There are evidences that the fruit even germinate in the plant in fact. The fruits are very easily fell down in the ground even plant in fact. The fruits are very easily fell down in the ground even by a gentle breeze or wind and germinate quickly.by a gentle breeze or wind and germinate quickly.

Large pear shaped fruiting makes the bamboo very attractive, Large pear shaped fruiting makes the bamboo very attractive, but it has been found that the villagers in Nepal have no idea about but it has been found that the villagers in Nepal have no idea about the importance of this species and believe on misfortune when the the importance of this species and believe on misfortune when the plant blossom. They also destroyed all the calms after flowering and plant blossom. They also destroyed all the calms after flowering and fruiting with the fear the fruiting bamboo brings misfortune. But, this fruiting with the fear the fruiting bamboo brings misfortune. But, this is not true. Fruits and young shoots are eaten in Bangladesh and is not true. Fruits and young shoots are eaten in Bangladesh and India. Culms are strong used in different purposes including in paper India. Culms are strong used in different purposes including in paper making and scaffolding. making and scaffolding.

Wide spread planting in suitable and needy place of this species Wide spread planting in suitable and needy place of this species help eliminate poverty. Beautify the orchard, control erosion and help help eliminate poverty. Beautify the orchard, control erosion and help to bring prosperity after all.to bring prosperity after all.

THANK YOU THANK YOU

VERY VERY

MUCHMUCH