M. moreheadiana in the Thursday Islands ...

G'day Bamboo Bulletin readers,

Your editor has unintentionally included an element of controversy in the current issue. He would like to open discussion with members on the matter, and hopefully set the record right if it is in error.

In the article on Thursday Island bamboos, Ian McNiven quotes Dan Kelman from the Queensland Herbarium as verifying the existence of Mullerochloa moreheadiana on the TIs.

"The origin of bamboo in Torres Strait is mysterious. Preliminary vegetation surveys have identified three species of bamboo – Neololeba atra, Mullerochloa moreheadiana and Bambusa vulgaris, and possibly two further species according to Dan Kelman of the Queensland Herbarium."

This would seem to be a major statement on the distribution of M. moreheadiana that has no echo elsewhere in the bamboo world. Len Muller has noted in his writings and in personal correspondence that the species which now bears his name is restricted to a small area around Innisfail. That view has found support in the work of Professor Wong, and has been investigated and confirmed by Dr. Don Franklin of CDU in Darwin.

BSA members who have personal experience of TI bamboos, or who can otherwise cast light on this matter are invited to contribute their two-penneth worth here on the forum.

All the best ... Geoff Kyle ... Bulletin Editor.