Abstract
In the Araucaria Forest in addition to floristic diversity, studies on the anatomical diversity of wood of native species are required. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize anatomically and evaluate the similarities and the main anatomical characteristics that vary between the wood of 14 native species of the Araucaria Forest. For the characterizations, the procedures determined by IAWA (1989) were followed. Fourteen anatomical variables were used to apply the Manhattan similarity and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). As result, it can be observed that the species present common characteristics, such as diffuse porosity and alternate intervessel pits. In addition, the presence of septate fibers and axial parenchyma scarce in 50% of the woods were remarkable characteristics for the species of the region. As for the similarity, was observed the division by the dimensions of the rays, vessels and pits. In PCA, the diameter of the vessel, width and height of the radius, the height of the radius in number of cells, the intervessel pits and the radius-vascular were emphasized. In conclusion, even with the great anatomical diversity, it is possible to differentiate the wood from the species of the Araucaria Forest, which occur naturally in the region of Planalto Catarinense.
Key words:
anatomical diversity; structure of wood; Araucarian forest
