Xylotomic Study of the Family Sapindaceae: Microstructure, Systematics and Ecological Trends

Abstract

The present study provides detailed wood anatomical features of the family Sapindaceae. The wood anatomy of 18 species belonging to 14 genera of Sapindaceae native to or commonly cultivated in India is described in detail and a species wood anatomical key is given. The wood anatomical features collected are as per the feature list given by International Association of Wood Anatom ists. Based on constant characters, a species identification key has been developed for the separation of the taxa at the species level. Photomicrographs showing diagnostic features have bcen given. Based on wood microstructure inter-tribe and sub familial studies were described. Relationship between wood element dimensions and their ecology has also been established.