Abstract

LEON H, Williams J. Wood anatomy of 26 species of Aspidosperma genus (Apocynaceae). Acta Bot. Venez. [online]. 2011, vol.34, n.1, pp.127-152. ISSN 0084-5906.

Wood anatomy of 26 species of Aspidosperma (Apocynaceae) growing in several countries from tropical América were studied. The wood description was done according to IAWA Committee. The species were separated in two groups: group I was represented by five species with unilateral paratracheal parenchyma. The group II was represented by 21 species with parenchyma mainly apotracheal diffuse in aggregates parenchyma. Species from group I were similar and only A. condylocarpon can be separate using rays height. In group II, two subgroups are distinguished according to the presence and quantity of crystals in radial parenchyma. In each subgroup, quantitative features like rays height, vessels diameter and pits size can be use for identification. An identification key for the species studied is presented.

Keywords : Apocynaceae; Aspidosperma; crystals; secondary xylem; wood anatomy.

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