Wood anatomical features of Aquilaria (Thymelaeaceae) and Gonystylus (Gonystylaceae) in Malaysia

Abstract

Wood anatomical features of Aquilaria and Gonystylus were studied. The results indicated that Aquilaria can be distinguished from Gonystylus based on the wood anatomical features. Wood anatomical features that can be used to separate these two genera are the types of parenchyma, ray height, included phloem and mineral inclusion. Axial parenchyma scanty paratracheal and in thick sheaths around the included phloem present in
Aquilaria whereas Gonystylus has axial parenchyma winged-aliform to confluent with narrow wings. Other important differences include having significantly higher ray in Gonystylus compared to Aquilaria. In this present study, included phloem found as scattered islands in cross section in all species of Aquilaria. Whereas included phloem absent in all species of Gonystylus except of G. maingayi where the included phloem was found. Crystal was present in Gonystylus but absent in Aquilaria. The crystal present in rays and occasionally in axial parenchyma in Gonystylus.