The Anatomy of the Timbers of the South-West Pacific Area I. Anacardiaceae

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Abstract
A survey of 22 genera disclosing that all genera have large, half-bordered (the borders often inconspicuous), rounded to irregularly shaped vessel-ray pits which are sometimes in scalariform arrangement. 16 of the genera examined have horizontal gum canals in the rays. Crystals, either in the marginal ray cells or to a lesser extent in the procumbent cells, are a characteristic feature of 16 genera; 5 genera show numerous deposits of siliceous material in the rays. Septate fibers occur regularly in 6 genera and are sporadic in occurrence in 5 genera. The parenchyma is of the paratracheal type, although some apotracheal occurs in certain genera. The best basis for separating or grouping the various genera appears to be on the occurrence and abundance of the parenchyma. Therefore, three main divisions have been made as follows Parenchyma paratracheal but also in apotracheal bands; parenchyma paratracheal, aliform to confluent; parenchyma sparse paratracheal, or paratracheal to vasicentric. The genera in each section can be subdivided on the presence or absence of septate fibers and on the presence or absence of horizontal gum canals in the rays. The woods of the Burseraceae occurring in the area under consideration have certain characteristics in common with some of those of the Anacardiaceae; these are: septate fibers; horizontal gum canals in the rays; coarse, alternate inter-vessel pitting; simple perforation plates; coarse half-bordered, or apparently simple to scalariform vessel-ray pitting; paratracheal parenchyma.

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