19 Jan, 2021
Professor Barry Goodell of the University of Massachusetts Amherst presents a short overview that highlights the beauty of the microstructure of wood (wood anatomy). The micro-anatomy of both softwoods and hardwoods is briefly summarized, with features such as the cell types in both types of woods detailed. Features of softwoods including tracheids, resin canals, ray tissue, and how bordered pits function during what is known as “pit aspiration” are explained. Similarities and differences in hardwood cell types are also discussed. Phenomenon such as “tyloses production” in the vessels is explained to provide background on how some hardwood trees block their vessels under periods of stress.
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