Peculiar traits of wood in a leaning stem of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Abstract

The paper analyses biometrical and anatomical traits of wood in a leaning stem of pine trees. For study purpose, five pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) with a visibly leaning stem were chosen. Wood samples were taken at three different stem heights, that is, below the stem curvature, at the curvature and above the curvature. Microscopic specimens were prepared and used for the following measurements: annual rings width, tracheids diameter and tracheids wall thickness. The measurements were performed for wood located on the lower side of the leaning stem and on the opposite side. Cytochemical staining was performed to identify the occurrence of laricinan. The results showed tracheids with a rounded shape and thick cell walls, helical cavities and intercellular spaces in wood located at curvature height on the lower side of the leaning stem. These traits indicate a severe compression wood that allowed pine trees to change their stem position in relation to the vector of gravity.