The application of statistics and computing in wood anatomy

Abstract

In published anatomical research up to the 1960 decade there has been little application of statistical method other than presentation of mean values. With the recent expansion of statistical teaching and the wider availability of computers, statistical treatment of anatomical data should increase. This paper presents a checklist of univariate and multivariate statistical techniques relevant to identifying and characterising sources and patterns of variation of anatomical features within and between trees and geographic locations. Non-statistical applications of computers are described including the curatorial management of wood collections (xylaria) and the identification of wood samples. Attention is drawn to the lAW A 'Standard list of characters suitable for computerized hardwood identification' .