Wood Anatomy of Some Anaueria and Beilschmiedia Species (Lauraceae)

Abstract

The wood anatomy of the species Anaueria brasiliensis Kosterm., Beilschmiedia emarginata (Meissn.) Kosterm., B. rigida (Mez) Kosterm. and B. taubertiana (Schw. et Mez) Kosterm. (Lauraceae) is described. The taxonomy and ecology of these species, important components of the Amazonian forest or Atlantic forest of southeastern Brazil, are discussed as related to wood anatomy. The main anatomical differences are: presence, type, arrangement and location of inorganic inclusions and secretory cells, and the arrangement of the axial parenchyma.