Wood anatomy of the vochysiaceae

Abstract

A wood anatomy key based on reliable xylem features of ray type and proportions separates the six genera in the family Vochysiaceae. Selected anatomical features of 57 species are summarized. The wood anatomical range encountered is presented in descriptions for each genus. Woods of the Vochysiaceae differ from closely related taxa. Vochysiaceae have vestured vessel pitting and only libriform fibers; banded axial parenchyma and traumatic interce11ular canals occur frequently; heartwoods of a11 Vochysiaceae test positive (turn blue) with the application of Chrome-Azurol-S.