Differences in wood anatomy of softwood and hardwood

Differences in wood anatomy of softwood and hardwood

Softwood anatomy

Anatomical elements (types of cells):

a) tracheids

vertical -- axial cells (length up to 5 mm); physiological function: both water transport and mechanical support

horizontal -- ray tracheids (only in some species) -- a part of ray; physiological function: water transport in horizontal direction

b) parenchyma cells

form anatomical structures:

- rays – horizontal bends of parenchyma cells (in some species with ray tracheids); physiological function: food storage

- resin ducts (only in some species) – intercellular species surrounded by parenchyma cells. Vertical and horizontal direction. Only in all species of the following genera: Picea, Pinus, Pseudotsuga, Larix.

- longitudinal parenchyma (only in some species) – axial bends of parenchyma cells; physiological function: food storage

Hardwood anatomy

Anatomical elements (types of cells):

a) vessels -- axial cells with fully or partly open endings (perforation plates); function: water transport

b) fibres – axial cells; physiological function: mechanical support

c) tracheids (not in all species) – axial cells, three types: vascular, fibrous, vasicentric

d) parenchyma cells

form anatomical structures:

- rays – horizontal bends of parenchyma cells; physiological function: food storage

- longitudinal parenchyma (only in some species) – axial bends of parenchyma cells; physiological function: food storage