Variation in tracheid size in the stem of Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl. was investigated. Wood samples were taken from three individuals at three different stem heights. From these samples, subsamples were selected at the limit of the growth layers, from the vascular cambium to the medulla. The methodology followed that traditionally recommended for plant anatomy studies. Analyses of the material as well were as the measurements and images were performed by using a light microscopic (Olympus - BX41). In radial section, tracheid length showed a well-defined increase in length from medulla to cambium, which was statistically significant based on the student "t" test. There was minimal variation in tracheid diameter and no variation in cell wall thickness. Results are discussed in relation to factors that may influence variation in tracheids along the tree stem.
wood anatomy; siz veariation; tracheids; Podocarpus lambertii; Podocarpaceae
