13. Thamnocalamus Munro, Trans. Linn. Soc. London. 26: 33. 1868.
筱竹属 xiao zhu shu
Authors: De-Zhu Li & Chris Stapleton
Shrubby bamboos. Rhizomes short necked, pachymorph, neck to 25(–30) cm. Culms loosely to densely unicaespitose, basally erect, apically nodding to pendulous; internodes ± terete, glabrous, smooth, hollow; nodes prominent; buds ovoid, with complete sheathing, 2 branch initials visible. Branches initially 5 in mid-culm, without promontory, central slightly dominant, deflexed; internodes distinctly flattened; branchlets becoming long pendulous with very many nodes. Culm sheaths deciduous, usually shorter than internodes, apically rounded and narrow; blade usually erect and superficially contiguous with sheath, triangular or lanceolate. Leaves usually small; blade with conspicuous transverse veins. Inflorescence partially ebracteate, semelauctant, a partially condensed racemose panicle on leafy or leafless flowering branches, basal branches initially subtended by prominent spathelike bracts, not unilateral. Spikelets robust, 1- to many flowered, followed by a sterile floret, shortly pedicellate. Glumes 2; lemma many veined, long mucronate or shortly awned. Palea usually shorter than lemma, 2-keeled, obtuse. Lodicules 3, transparent. Stamens 3; filaments free, long exserted; anthers yellow. Ovary appendage absent or inconspicuous; style 1; stigmas usually 3, plumose. New shoots late summer–early autumn, fl. summer–autumn.
Two to four species: Bhutan, China, NE India, Nepal; one species in China.
Other species published in Fargesia may also belong in this genus, but insufficient generic characteristics were given in their descriptions.
