WOOD MICROSTRUCTURE OF LIGNEOUS SPECIES OF RHAMNACEAE FROM INDIA

Abstract

Gupta S & Saxena V. 2011. Wood microstructure of ligneous species of Rhamnaceae from India. This
study dealt with the wood microstructure of the family Rhamnaceae from India. The wood microstructure
and salient diagnostic features of 22 species belonging to 8 genera were described. An identification key was
developed for the 22 species. Perforated ray cells were reported for the first time in Sageretia brandrethiana,
Rhamnus purpurea, Rhamnus wightii, Zizyphus mauritiana, Z. oenoplia, Z. oxyphylla and Z. xylopyrus. The study
revealed a need for reclassification of the family as anatomically the family is quite heterogeneous at the
generic level.