Wood and bark anatomy of balanites aegyptiaca in relation to ecology and taxonomy

Abstract

The anatomy of wood and bark of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) DeI. has been studied in detail. In addition the wood anatomical characteristics of three further species, Balanites dawei, B. maughamii and B. wilsoniana were examined. The length variation of wood fibres, vessel members and parenchyma cells was detennined with respect to the distance from pith to cambium. Further an attempt was made to correlate climatic factors and annual rhythm of growth of the tree as weIl as ecological factors and anatomical features. The results obtained seem to support the placement of the genus Balanites in aseparate family Balanitaceae, with elose affinities to the Zygophyllaceae.