Comparative wood anatomy of tree native species of Schinopsis (Anacardiaceae).

Abstract

Comparative wood anatomy of tree native species of Schinopsis (Anacardiaceae). Schinopsis, endemic genus of South America, includes eight species that inhabit the Chaco dry forests of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil. Four species are native to Argentina; two of great economic importance. The aim of this work is to perform comparative wood anatomy of S. lorentzii, S. balansae and S. marginata. It worked with 5 trees of each species. The terminology of IAWA Committee on Nomenclature and Tortorelli were used in wood descriptions. Vulnerability and mesomorphy index proposed by Carlquist, to determine the type of behavior, were used. Relevant anatomical features were comparatively analyzed. Five variables were statistically analyzed: vessel frequency/ mm2 (Fv); tangential vessel diameter (Vd); length of vascular elements (VI) and ray height (Rh). The anatomy of wood is homogeneous, with significant differences in the variables: frequency, diameter and vessel length. Secretory radial tannin channels and tilosis occluding vessel, are predominant anatomical features. Wood anatomy of S. lorentzii and S. marginata showed high affinity and mesophitic to xeric trait; while S. balansae presents mesophitic signs.