REINVESTIGATION OF THE WOOD STRUCTURE OF THOTTEA-SILIQUOSA (ARISTOLOCHIACEAE)

An accurate description of the wood structure of Thottea siliquosa is presented for the first time. Earlier descriptions for this species we re based on incorrectly identified samples. Wood is diffuse-porous wit h distinct growth rings. Vessels are small, solitary, in radial multip les and also in clusters, forming a distinct radial pattern. Perforati ons are simple, intervessel pits small, alternate without vestures. Va scular tracheids are present. Axial parenchyma is diffuse and diffuse- in-aggregates. Rays are very high and broad, heterogeneous. Fibres thi ck-walled and non-septate. Oil cells are absent.