Integrative bamboo systematics: Taxonomy, morphological diversity, evolutionary relationships, and future perspectives

Abstract

Bamboo (subfamily Bambusoideae, Poaceae) represents one of the most taxonomically complex and evolutionary dynamic lineages within grasses due to irregular flowering cycles, extensive morphological plasticity, frequent hybridization, and widespread polyploidy. These characteristics have historically complicated species delimitation and phylogenetic reconstruction. This review synthesizes recent advances in integrative bamboo systematics, emphasizing the roles of phylogenomics, molecular cytogenetics, DNA barcoding, multi-locus sequencing, and computational morphological analytics in resolving bamboo diversity and evolutionary relationships. Genome-wide sequencing approaches have enabled the detection of hybridization events and reticulate evolutionary histories that were previously difficult to resolve using morphology or single-locus markers. These advances have improved phylogenetic resolution, particularly among closely related bamboo taxa. Nevertheless, major knowledge gaps remain, including incongruence between nuclear and plastid datasets, incomplete lineage sorting, polyploid genome complexity, incomplete taxon sampling, and the limited phylogenomic representation of tropical and Southeast Asian bamboo diversity. Addressing these gaps will require broader geographic and taxonomic sampling, standardized molecular and DNA barcoding protocols, voucher-linked genomic databases, and greater integration of genomic, morphological, anatomical, cytogenetic, and computational evidence. These priorities provide a practical research framework for improving taxonomic stability, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable management within Bambusoideae.