Abstract

LEON H, Williams J. Ecological anatomy of secondary xylem in a tropical dry forest of Venezuela. Acta Bot. Venez. [online]. 2005, vol.28, n.2, pp.257-274. ISSN 0084-5906.

The wood anatomy of 51 trees from El Caimital forest were studied from an ecological perspective and were compared with data from other habitats. The features studied were vessel frequency, vessel diameter, vessel element length, perforation plates, intervessel pit size, presence of crystals and silica. Vulnerability, mesomorphy and vessels grouping index were calculated. A predominance of characters towards hydraulic efficiency was observed. In accordance with vessel size, vessel number, mesomorphy and vulnerability index, the wood of the studied individuals can be characterized as mesomorphic.

Keywords : Ecological wood anatomy; Vulnerability index; Mesomorphy; Water availability; Dry tropical forest; Barinas; Venezuela.