Species identification of some Castanopsis (D.Don) Spach (Fagaceae) species from Northern Thailand using wood characteristics

Abstract

The anatomical characters of the wood of seven species of the genus Castanopsis (D.Don) Spach (Fagaceae) from northern Thailand were investigated. The specimens were sectioned using a sliding microtome. Tissue maceration was also performed using Franklin’s solution. The samples of wood sections and macerated cells were observed under a light microscope and under scanning electron microscope. The wood anatomical data including presence of broad rays, vessel arrangement, presence of growth rings, occurrence of tyloses, shape of vessel-ray pits, and occurrence of prismatic crystals are helpful for identification of the species. From this study, a key to species based on wood anatomical characters was constructed.