Wood Anatomy of Tamarix austromongolica and T. chinensis from an Ecological Perspective

摘要

The wood anatomy of Tamarix austromongolica and T. chinensis were described and compared from an ecological perspective. Both species showed similar wood structure: distinct growth ring boundaries, semi-ring-porosity, simple perforation plate, alternate intervessel pitting, non-septate fibres, paratracheal confluent axial parenchyma, helical thickenings and heterocellular rays. But there were few quantitative differences observed between them. Tamarix austromongolica had narrower vessels and more grouped vessels and larger vessel frequency than T. chinensis that had wider and larger number of solitary vessels and smaller vessel frequency. Thus, it was considered that the anatomical features of Tamarix austromongolica were more likely to suffer fromwater stress than that of T. chinensis. The horizontal variation of vessel element and fibre length along the ring number from pith showed irregular tendency. Furthermore, the relationships between anatomical features and adaptability to desert environments were discussed.