Caatinga Tree Wood Anatomy: Perspectives on Use and Conservation

ABSTRACT This work describes the anatomical analysis of the wood of four Caatinga tree species in order to determine the anatomical characteristics necessary for species segregation in functional groups, to relate them to the regional environmental conditions, as well as to infer about their management and conservation. Qualitatively, the species showed peculiar adaptations to xeric environments such as high frequency of low caliber vessels or parenchyma cells. Quantitatively, the four taxa were divided into three functional groups related to the precipitation and temperature of the Caatinga. The relationships between anatomy and the environment have shown their vulnerability to climatic variations, and have warned of the damage that can be generated by anthropogenic action. It is advisable to use the energy of the species or for use in civil construction, with the exception of Tabebuia aurea, which is appropriate for carpentry. It was verified that the anatomy of the wood has potential as a subsidy for the use, management and conservation of the studied species.