Apoclate simplex

Apoclada is a monotypic genus of herbaceous plants belonging to the Poaceae family. It comprises only one species: Apoclada simplex McClure et L.B.Sm., found in the southeastern forests of Brazil. For many years the genus was believed to consist of four species, but modern research has ruled out the existence of A. diverse and have led to the reclassification of the old A. arenicola and A. cannavieira in the genus Filgueirasia.

Description

The stems of this bamboo can grow to more than 13 meters, although half that figure is more usual. As in all bamboos, the trunks grow from horizontal roots, called rhizomes, which in this species can be up to 40 cm long. The trunks are dark green to light green, with occasionally reddish specimens with diameters of 1.9 to 4 cm and nodes spaced 7 to 38 cm apart. The leaves are 1.3-16.4 cm long and narrow (2-7 mm).

Taxonomy

Apoclate simplex was described by McClure & L.B.Sm. and published in Flora Illustrada Catarinense 1(GRAM–Suppl.): 59–62, t. 10, f. s–y. 1967.

Sinonimia

• Miscellaneous approach McClure & L.B.Sm.