The present study aimed to describe the wood anatomy of
Phyllanthus sellowianus
Müll. Arg.(Phyllanthaceae),
as well as the research of anatomical characters associated with the flexibility of their stems, desirable
characteristic for bioengineering works. Belonging to the group of reophyllous and with up to three meters
in height, the species occurs naturally in the south of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. The exsicat and wood
sample from a
P. sellowianus, located in the municipality of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazi,
were deposited in the University Federal de Santa Maria under the numbers HDCF 5587 e 5588. Standard
technique was used to set the histological lamina of wood. For macerations used the method of Jeffrey. The
Wood anatomy description followed the IAWA Committee (1989). The microscopic analysis revealed the
presence vassels of small diameter (< 60μm), radial multiples of 2 to 4 units, and simple perforation plates,
obliquely, axial parenchyma absent, heterogeneous rays, with 1-3 cells large, and gelatinous fibers. The
absence of axial parenchyma and laticifer tubes is compatible to the Phyllanthaceae group. The presence of
perforated ray cells is, probably, the main anatomic component for differentiation of
P. sellowianus from
the other species of the genera. The abundant presence of gelatinous fibers certainly is one of the main
anatomical characteristics related to the high flexibility of its stem.
