Detection of complex vascular system in bamboo node by X-ray mu CT imaging technique

Bamboo is one of the world's fastest growing plants. They reach a final height of 15-40 m during a period of 40-120 days. The full height is reached by intercalary growth of each node. However, it is very difficult to detect the complex vascular system in a bamboo node using traditional methods. X-ray computed microtomography (mu CT) is a noninvasive novel approach to the three-dimensional (3D) visualization and quantification of biological structures. In the present article, mu CT has been applied to provide insights into the internal structure of bamboo node, where three branches are connected. The picture obtained could hardly be obtained by any other means. The bamboo nodal characteristics of three transverse and axial sections are presented. The complex 3D network of vascular bundles has been directly obtained for the first time.