Comparative wood anatomy of Ficus cestrifolia (Moraceae) in two distinct soil conditions

Abstract

Wood anatomical traits respond to environmental variables and among them, soil has a direct impact on secondary xylem. This study compares the wood anatomy of two populations of Ficus cestrifolia occurring in two lowland formations of Southern Brazil (MAQ and SJS) with similar climate but different soil conditions. Wood samples were collected at breast height and prepared according to standard wood anatomy techniques. Soil samples were collected and subjected to a nutrient analysis. Wood was described quali and quantitatively. The qualitative wood anatomical features of both populations were similar. Some quantitative differences were observed. In MAQ area, the levels of macro- and micronutrients were higher than in SJS. Its population presented higher vessel frequency, thicker-walled fibers, and lower vulnerability index. SJS’s population had longer fibers, wider rays and a higher ray frequency, and higher vulnerability index. This suite of characters indicates that the MAQ population has a safer and more efficient xylem structure for water conduction. Under the influence of similar climate and soil type, differences regarding wood anatomical traits found between the two populations of Ficus cestrifolia can thus be regarded as an ecological response to the micro-environmental soils nutrients composition.