Wood anatomical features of Anacardiaceae from Malaysia

Abstract

This study examined the anatomical features of Anacardiaceae from Malaysia. A total of 31 species from 13 genera of the family Anacardiaceae in Malaysia were obtained from Kepong Xylarium (KEPw), Forest Research Institute Malaysia. The genera in Anacardiaceae were distinguished based on anatomical features. The diagnostic anatomical features that were used to separate the genera are scalariform perforations plates present in Campnosperma, larger rays in Pentaspadon and Spondias, and radial canals in some genera. Mineral inclusion, i.e., crystals and silica also could be diagnostic features to distinguish the genera in Malaysian Anacardiaceae; silica was observed in Gluta, Parishia, and Swintonia. Anatomical features could be used as indicators to the other wood properties and lead to potential usage of timber in Anacardiaceae. However, the presence of druses in individual Toxicodendron succedaneum indicated its adaptation to the local microclimatic conditions.

Secondary xylem of tree species from Cerrado biome

“…For most angiosperms, these functions are performed by different types of cells: vessels conduct water, fibers provide mechanical support, and parenchyma stores nutrients and water (Dutra et al 2023). Although the anatomical characteristics of the wood provide a detailed view of the properties and functionalities of the tissues, as well as the ecological and adaptive strategies of the species (Chave et al 2009;Gupta et al 2017;Siam et al 2023), the qualitative characteristics are maintained, thus providing a tool for species identification by observing the anatomical characteristics.…”

“…The identification of wood by its anatomy is an essential tool in the fight against illegal logging that occurs with great intensity in tropical forests, mainly in the Brazilian Amazon. The wrong classification of species is a general problem, as also commented by Siam et al (2023). The cited work states that timbers from Anacardiaceae in Malaysia are sold as mixed species or used as general utility timbers due to a lack of information for identification and wood properties.…”

Effect of tree age on the properties of Himalayan birch (Betula alnoides Buch.-H.ex D.Don) wood

“…The properties to study are wood anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties. These properties could be an indicator to the other important properties, such as strength, drying, and machining, and also for the suitable product of the timber (Toong et al 2014;Nordahlia et al 2023).…”