Anatomia sistemática das plantas da caatinga nordestina.

Abstract

This project deals with the microscopic anatomical study of the wood of plants of the Caatinga ecosystem. The main objective involves the knowledge of the structure of the wood and its use in taxonomy. Samples have been collected from seventy-two (72) species, covering almost the entire woody flora. The samples collected are distributed among sixty-one (61) genera and thirty-four families (34). From all of them, botanical material was also collected for herborization. The anatomical study was performed on histological sections of the transversal, tangential and radial planes of the wood samples and on macerated material for observations of the tracheal and fibrous elements. Traditional techniques for the study of wood anatomy were used to obtain the sections and maceration. For all species, anatomical descriptions were made, and photographs were taken of the three planes of cuts and of the main differential structures among species. The main anatomical structures analyzed were the axial parenchyma, the radial parenchyma (or rays), the vessel elements and the fibrous elements. With the data obtained, a key for the identification of the woods was elaborated.