Comparative wood anatomy of three indigenous Morus species with special reference to their identification

The study examines the wood microstructure of three Morus species (M. alba, M. serrata, and M. laevigata), belonging to the family Moraceae. Wood samples were sourced from the Xylarium of the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Standard procedures were followed for slide preparation, and anatomical features were recorded per the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA) guidelines. Common characteristics, such as vasicentric paratracheal parenchyma, prismatic crystals, broad vessels, multiseriate rays and VRPs, are recognized as generic features while variations in wood porosity, fiber septation, shape of IVPs and helical thickening in vessels, features helped differentiate the species. The study noted both qualitative (conservative and constant) and quantitative wood anatomical features, likely influenced by environmental factors, and used the data to create a dichotomous identification key.