Internodal growth of bamboo was characterized by analyzing chemical co
mposition, X-ray diffraction and CP/MAS solid state C-13-NMR. When the
longest (17th) internode of an 6m-high immature moso-bamboo (Phyllost
achys pubescens Mazel), 29.8cm in length, was sliced into 28 rings and
subjected to the analyses, growth of bamboo was concluded to occur up
ward from the secondary meristem localized at 1.06-2.13 cm above the n
ode. CP/MAS solid state C-13-NMR proved to be useful in a rapid determ
ination of the exact position of the secondary meristem.