A review of the current state of knowledge on Pseudoxytenanthera ritchiei- a lesser known bamboo species with high utilization potential from Peninsular India

Pseudoxytenanthera ritchiei (Munro) H. B. Naithani is a unique bamboo species with fully solid culms. This bamboo species is endemic to the Peninsular India and has a scattered distribution in the forest ecosystems of Kerala. In Kerala, the species was abundantly found in Nilambur and Mannarkad forests and had high demand in the market. However, unsustainable harvesting over a significant period resulted in resource depletion from these forests (Kumar et al., 2009). Though P. ritchiei shares many characteristics which make Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii a commercially important bamboo species, the former is not listed as a priority species by the National Bamboo Mission while the latter is included in the list. Moreover, the potential of P. ritchiei remains untapped in Kerala, primarily due to a lack of information on its distribution and availability, and secondly due to a lack of supply of sufficient quantity for commercial use. These are clumping bamboo and do not require much space, making them suitable for home gardens and as a border crop in fields. Hence, we argue that there is a good justification for this species to be given preference and large-scale cultivation to be encouraged outside forest areas after having developed appropriate methods for quality stock production. Steps must also be taken to ensure the conservation of the species in its natural habitat to prevent the loss of the wild and diverse genotypes which at present lack sufficient documentation. This review features information gleaned from available literature on this less-studied species, and its potential for utilization. The currently available information relating to distribution, propagation, floral morphology, flowering history, eco-system services etc. is also highlighted.