Abstract: Lignin distribution in different anatomical regions of 12-month-old bamboo species, namely moso bamboo and Pseudosasa amabilis Keng f. was investigated. Lignification was studied by means of optical microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In addition, distribution of lignin in different tissues (fibre, parenchyma and vessel) was investigated by visible-light microspectrophotometry coupled with Wiesner and M?ule reaction. Lignin is widely distributed in different tissues, in which there is lignin content difference among tissues and anatomical regions. Guaiacyl lignin units and syringyl lignin units can be found in cell wall of fibre, parenchyma and vessel. There is no regular variation in lignin content along different radial location of culms and different location in fibre strands. The multilayer of the fibre secondary cell wall has alternating thick and thin layers, while lignin content of thin layer is higher than that of thick layers.

Key words: Pseudosasa amabilis, moso bamboo, distribution of lignin, visible-light microspectrophotometry