OBSERVATIONS OF TRABECULAE IN NEW-ZEALAND HARDWOODS

During a survey on the anatomy of New Zealand native woods, trabeculae were observed in the xylem cells of 6 hardwood species endemic to New Zealand. They were not found in a further 216 species. In some species they were observed only in the vessel members while in others they occurred in the vessel members, fibres and axial parenchyma cells. Their diameter is proportional to the thickness of the host cell wall. The similarites and differences between these trabeculae and those described as occurring in softwoods and other hardwoods are discussed. No explanation is proposed for their origin. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.