Cambial activity and development of xylem inTamarindus indicaL. growing in different forests of gujarat state

Abstract

Seasonal behaviour of vascular cambium and development of xylem investigated in Tamarindus indica L. growing in moist deciduous (MDF), dry deciduous (DDF) and scrubland (SF) forests of Gujarat state. The cambium was storied when dormant and gradually the storied arrangement was lost with the initiation of cambial activity and became non-storied when the activity reached peak. Development of xylem continued for ten months in MDF, eight months in DDF and nine months in SF. Activity started in June and July in MDF and DDf, respectively, and maximal growth was seen only after the first shower of rains in July and October in MDF and August in DDF. Cambial cells ceased to divide in March and February in MDF and DDF, respectively. In SF, cambial cells began to divide in May and reached peak in September-October during the mosoon and the divisions ceased in January. Cambial cell division and differentation of xylem were found suspended in April-May in MDF, March-June in DDF and February-April in SF. Cambial activity and xylem development are correlated with local climatic conditions and phenology of the trees.