Wood Anatomy and Phylogeny of Laurus(Lauraceae)

Wood and bark suructure of Laus, which is considered as an important spice resources, was characterized by several transitional and advanced features. Annual rings are distinct: vessel elements are moderately short and narrow, both simple and scalariform perforation plates, alternate intervascular pitting; irregularly septate fiber are present: parenchyma strands are scanty paratracheal: rays are both homogeneous and heterogeneous with multiseriale: phloem rays are dilated. Comparisons with other genera of Lauraceae suggest that Laurus is transitional and advanced state in evolutionary trends in the family.