Bark anatomy of Quercus cerris L. var. cerris from Turkey

Abstract

Quercus cerris L. var. cerris has a conspicuous bark which is generally thicker than that of other Quercus L. species in Turkey. The present study aimed to provide detailed anatomical characterisation of the bark of this species, which is necessary to assess its potential. The anatomical studies were conducted on the bark samples of nine 70- to 80-year-old trees growing in 3 sites of Andırın district from Kahramanmaraş province in Turkey. For microscopic observation transverse and longitudinal sections were prepared and individual specimens were taken for maceration. The bark is composed of phloem, periderm, and a very substantial rhytidome. The rhytidome has sequential periderms with phloem tissue between them, and includes compact nodules of sclerified tissues. The phellem has typical cork cells arranged regularly in radial rows and showing rings. The phelloderm is poorly developed. The phloem is layered regularly from cambium until the last formed periderm in successive tangential bands of fibres and groups of sclereids alternated with axial parenchyma and sieve tubes. Uniseriate phloem rays transverse the fibre groups, and fused phloem rays originate conspicuous broad rays. The dilatation growth showed large and conspicuous sclereids. Numerous crystals and druses in axial parenchyma cells were also observed. Full illustration of this species is given.