On the identity and nomenclature of a climbing bamboo Melocalamus macclellandii

Abstract

Bentham in the year 1881 described a monospecific climbing bamboo genus Melocalamus. After hundred years later in 1983 the second species M. elevatissimus Hsueh & Yi was described from Tibet. At present its 15 species and one variety known from the world, three species from India. The genus was later merged with Dinochloa Buse. However, at present both are considered distinct. A species Dinochloa macclellandii initially described on vegetative characters which was subsequently transferred under Melocalamus and a combination Melocalamus macclellandii (Munro) Naithani was proposed. The present paper discusses the identity of M. macclellandii. Distinguishing characters for the genera have been provided, the epithet Melocalamus macclellandii (Munro) Naithani has been retained. Colour photographs, illustration and descriptions of the floral parts have now been provided for the first time.