Bark and wood anatomy of <I>Miconia cabucu</I> Hoehne (Melastomataceae)

Abstract

The wood anatomy and bark structure of Miconia cabucu is described in detail. The study of the bark structure reveals some characteristics of taxonomic value, such as the presence of solitaJy crysta1s, and the sclerenchyma cells that occur either isolated or are grouped, the variable fiber length, the fonnation of delicate fissure in longitudinal direction, and the extremely small phelloderm. A comparison between M. cabucu and the two species of Mouriri shows a similarity on these characteristics. The wood anatomical characters of M. cabucu are very similar to that of others members of Miconia, and corroborate lhe position of Melastomatoideae like a wood anatomically homogeneous group. The most distinctive characteristic of lhe wood anatomy of M. cabucu is supplied by vessels with spiral thickenings. The relationship between bark/ wood anatomical characters and habitat are discussed.