Anatomia da madeira de Eucalyptus Benthamii Maiden & Cambage, espécie promissora para o setor de celulose no sul do Brasil

Abstract

The microscopic wood anatomy of young specimens of Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden & Cambage (Myrtaceae-Leptospermoideae) from Rio Grande do Sul State (Brazil) was investigated. The following anatomical characteristics were observed: wood composed by fibers, rays, axial parenchyma and, in smaller percentages, vascular elements and vascular tracheids; diffuse porous wood, with solitary and numerous vessels in diagonal pattern; paratracheal and vasicentric confluent axial parenchyma; unisseriate, both homogeneous and heterogeneous rays; and libriform fibers. Although the described species does not present singular characteristics in its anatomical structure, the presence of short vessels, axial parenchyma and libriformfibers, suggests a relatively evolved character compared to native species of Myrtaceae. The analyzed samples,although young, recomends Eucalyptus benthamii wood for cellulose and paper industry.