TRACHEID MORPHOLOGY OF CEDRUS-ATLANTICA A S A FUNCTION OF CAMBIUM AGE

Subject The fibre morphology of Cedrus atlantica (Endl.) Manetti ex Ca rriere was investigated in six sample trees from a thinning stand (Cat alonia/Spain) at the age of 34 years. The following tracheid variables were measured: double cell wall thickness, lumen diameter and length. A pith to cambium gradient was determined for all investigated trache id variables at 2.5 m and 5.0 m tree height subdivided into increment zones, earlywood and latewood (Figure 1 represents .2.5 m tree height) . The results of this investigation are comparable to the tracheid mor phology of young native conifer species grown in European forest stand s. Whether it is possible to utilize the small sized limber from Cedru s atlantica thinnings also in the pulp and paper industry is still to be investigated.