Wood anatomy of seven species known as “pau-para-tudo” in Brazil

Abstract

Different medicinal plant species can be sold under the same common name. Considering the importance of the correct identification, this study aims to separate, using wood anatomy, seven species popularly known as pau-para-tudo. The results show that Drimys brasiliensis is separated from the others by the presence of tracheids. Capsicodendron dinisii hhas scalariform perforation plates and oil cells associated with the axial parenchyma. Axial parenchyma paratracheal vasicentric and in marginal bands beyond the rays’ width, can separate Osteophoeum platyspermum from Simaba cedron. Handroanthus serratifolius has the unique presence of the axial unilateral paratracheal parenchyma and storied cell elements (parenchyma, fibers and vessel elements). Rauvolfia sellowii and Leptolobium dasycarpum can be separated by the number of square/upright marginal ray cells, greater in Rauvolfia sellowii. Thus, this work shows that wood anatomy is a valuable tool for species separation, helps with the identification and consequently is important for the quality control of plant product.