The anatomical structure of Xylopia aromatica (Lam.) Mart. wood was analyzed comparing stem and root samples from a caracteristic "cerrado" area, and another area with cultivated monoculture of Pinus elliotti Engelm. Both areas are inside the "Reserva Biológica e Estação Experimental de Moji-Guaçu". The samples were collected by non-destructive method. The quantitative analyzed characteristics data were obtained by counting and measuring in vessel elements, fibers, axial and radial parenchyma, in both histological sections and dissociated tissue. These data were submitted to the no parametric proof of Mann-Whitney that showed significant differences for 12 of the 18 analyzed characteristics. Among these, only intervessel pits diameter, vessel-ray pits diameter, and axial parenchyma percentage, showed larger averages for the plantation area specimens. Soil moisture data were obtained together with water soil retention curve. The structural analysis demonstrated the presence of growth rings delimited by radially flattened walls fibres observed in all studied specimens. This characteristic indicates a physiologic and anatomical adaptation of specimens to the drought period that occurs annually in the region. The low secretory idioblast occurrence in plantation area specimens indicates the possible physiologic alterations induced by the presence of Pinus elliottii plantation in "cerrado" area.
"cerrado"; plantation Pinus; wood anatomy; Xylopia aromatica
