Wood Micro-structural Studies of Indian Rutaceae Part II: Tribe Citreae

The present study deals with the detailed wood anatomy of the 10 Indian species of 6 genera viz. Aegle Correa, Atalantia Correa, Citrus Linn., Feronia Linn., Limonia Linn. and Paramignya Wight. belonging to the tribe Citreae of the family Rutaceae. The results are summarized in the tables and identification key has been developed for the separation of all the 10 species of this tribe. Photomicrographs have been given for the diagnostic features. The woods of this tribe are suitable for small knife handles, penholders, mathematical instruments, house building, naves of wheels, oil crushers and engraving purposes. The wood anatomical parameters suggest that the tribe Citreae is a homogeneous tribe characterized by diffuse porous woods; growth ring distinct due to marginal bands of parenchyma; simple perforation plate; coalescent aperture in few vessels; fibres non-septate. Almost all type of parenchyma are covered in these species. Rays homogeneous to heterogeneous. Prismatic crystals are present in fibres of all the genera except Citrus and Feronia. Crystals in rays and parenchyma present in all the genera. Silica bodies in rays and parenchyma in only one genus Paramignya. New reports include coalescent aperture in the entire family. Crystals in fibre of Aegle, Limonia and Atalantia; crystals in rays of Aegle, Citrus and Limonia; silica bodies in rays and parenchyma of Paramignya. These features are reported for the first time in this tribe.