Biodiversity and Conserva tion Stra teg ies of Ra ttan-like Bamboo in China

Rattan-like bamboos in Bambusoideae are defined as ones which have unique and rattan-like shape andclimbing stem. These bamboos are obviously different from common bamboo due to their liane-like shape and specific biological features. The bamboo is greatly valuable in ornamentation and horticulture. So far 40 species in 10 genera have been reported from China. In this paper, species biodiversity, resources and geological distribution of therattan-like bamboos were briefly introduced and discussed. Suggestions were p roposed for conservation and sustainable development of these bamboo resources.