WOOD ANATOMY OF THE APHANOCALYX-MONOPETALANTHUS COMPLEX (CAESALPINIOIDEAE)

The secondary xylem of 3 of the 4 genera belonging to the Aphanocalyx- Monopetalanthus complex (Aphanocalyx, Monopetalanthus and Tetraberlini a; from Michelsonia no samples were available) and the closely related genera Julbernardia and Brachystegia was studied in order to aid gene ric delimitation. Storied structure, septation of libriform fibres, co mposition of rays and axial parenchyma distribution were used to discu ss generic delimitation. Brachystegia differs from the other genera, w hich closely resemble each other. Monopetalanthus and Tetraberlinia ar e almost identical wood anatomically and could be combined into a sing le genus. Aphanocalyx and Julbernardia, both with slightly wider rays (more often 3-seriate) and more aliform axial parenchyma than Monopeta lanthus and Tetraberlinia, might be added to the taxon.