Comparative wood anatomy of perennial shoots of Potentilla (Rosaceae)

Abstract

The wood anatomy of perennial shoots of 26 Potentilla species was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Secondary xylem of different growth forms was compared. The wood anatomy of perennial shoots of Potentilla species with growth forms intermediate between shrubs and herbs (except P. biflora and P. palustris) is similar to the wood anatomy of shrubs. Wood anatomy of herbaceous species is diverse, and some features have systematic significance. Parenchymatisation and the anatomical changes correlated with this process appear to be a general trend in the structure of secondary xylem in rhizomes of herbaceous Potentilla. This trend may also be common in rhizomes of other herbaceous plants, and further studies are required to investigate this.