Anatomia do lenho secundário de espécies da caatinga nordestina (Bahia, Ceará, Pernambuco e Piauí)

Abstract

The objective of this work is the study of the systematic and ecological anatomy of the wood from the Northeastern Caatinga, aiming to separate the species through anatomical characters and to correlate their structures with the climatic characteristics of this type of vegetation. The methodology used is the standard one for the anatomical study of wood, using histological sections and temporary slides of macerated material. The technical terms used in the description of the anatomical elements are those adopted by the International Association of Wood Anatomists/ IAWA. The data analysis was done in the digital image and analysis system MOCHA. A total of 73 species were studied, distributed among 28 families. An identification key was created at the family level. The first results indicate that diffuse porosity predominates, however, species with semi-porous rings are frequent. The paratracheal axial parenchyma predominates, showing that there may be an evolutionary trend in the pattern of anatomical structures for the flora of the Caatinga, depending on the climatic conditions to which the species are submitted, since there is the concept that the paratracheal axial parenchyma is considered evolved because it increases the contact of the axial system with the radial system, thus facilitating the flow of substances in the wood. In the cellular composition of the rays, those constituted of procumbistes cells predominate, followed by rays with erect and square cells. Regarding the vessel elements, it is observed that simple perforated plates predominate, which from the ecological point of view is a common characteristic in woods from arid regions