Bark Structure of Deciduous Broad-Leaved Trees Grown in the San'in Region, Japan

Abstract

The bark anatomy of 55 deciduous broadleaved tree species from the San'in Region is described. Anatomical features of ray and axial parenchyma cells, phloem fibres, and sclereids are tabulated. Individual species have their own characteristic bark structure. The diversity in tissue arrangement in the secondary phloem could be classified according to the following types: 1a. Phloem fibres in concentric bands alternating with bands ofaxial parenchyma devoid of crystals and sieve elements; 1b. Fibre-sclereids (sclerotic fibres) in concentric bands; 2. As 1a, but fibre bands f1anked by chambered crystalliferous parenchyma; 3a. Broad rays sclerified and extending fanwise or with a very large clump of sclereids; 3b. In species with only narrow wood rays, part of the rays dilated to produce fanwise extensions; 4. Aggregate rays with fanwise extensions; 5. Phloem fibres in round or spindle-shaped clusters or irregular, short bands; 6. Phloem sclereids in round or spindle-shaped clusters or irregular, short bands; 7. Diffuse distribution of all phloem elements; 8. Convergence ofrays towards the cortex.