Anatomical studies of shoot bud-forming roots of Brazilian tree species

The present study is the first confirmation of the presence of shoot sprout s on roots in tree species of the Brazilian tropical forest, as these under ground systems are usually only analysed by external gross morphological ob servations. The shoot-bearing roots of seven species, collected in a forest block frequently affected by fire, were sectioned and analysed for the num ber of primary xylem ridges, stele type and reserve compounds. Starch was t he predominant reserve compound and occurred in different quantities among the species. The epicormic shoot buds, which arise spontaneously on root cu ttings or plants subjected to fire, were analysed in two of the studied spe cies. These buds showed different sites of origin but were considered epico rmic (reparative) since they did not carry bud traces along the secondary x ylem during their early development. Shoot bud formation on root systems is generally associated with disturbed environments, and confirmation that sp routing from roots does occur may modify many aspects of our appreciation o f the community dynamics of forest species and models that define how we ma nage and rehabilitate Brazilian forest fragments.