Comparative wood anatomy of Indian Drypetes and Putranjiva (Putranjivaceae): systematic implications, identification and comments on the synonymy of D. sumatrana

Abstract

The family Putranjivaceae is taxonomically enigmatic, especially the genera Drypetes and Putranjiva. The systematic position of the family has been controversial for a long period. The present study provides comprehensive descriptions of the wood microstructure of eleven species belonging to the two Indian genera Drypetes and Putranjiva. These woods show large similarity in qualitative and quantitative anatomical features. A species identification key is presented for the separation of the Indian species based on constant wood anatomical characters. Three distinct infra‐generic groups are recognised within Drypetes on the basis of differential perforation plates in the vessels. The wood microstructure of Putranjiva was found to be highly similar to that of Drypetes, suggesting its inclusion in Drypetes. Dissimilarities in anatomical as well as morphological features among D. sumatrana, D. kurziana and D. lanceolata indicate that these taxa are three distinct. In addition to taxonomic interpretations, ecological and evolutionary aspects of wood anatomy are also discussed.