Anatomical, physical and chemical properties of (Seidlitzia rosmarinus Bunge ex Boiss) wood in irano-torani region

One of the important families of woody species of Irano-Torani region is Chenpodiaceae which comprises of different woody genus and species and Seidlitzia rosmarinus an specie with vast geographical distribution belongs to this family. Irrespective of its vast spread, the anatomical and other properties the specie has not been studied. In order to study the anatomical properties, 6 sound shrubs of Seidlitzia rosmarinus in Ardakan (Yazd, Iran) were harvested and the physical, chemical and anatomical properties of the wood were determined. The anatomical features were determined using light microscope and scanning electron imaging (SEM). Results showed that growth rings boundaries are indistinct; Intrexylary phloem (included phloem) is concentric. Vessels are short (100 µm) and gum–like deposit are present and inter-vessel pits are very tiny. The fiber length is short (334 µm) and fiber wall thickness (2d= 8.4 µm) in comparison to lumen (7.5 µm) is thick. Seidlitzia rosmarinus is anatomically and biometrically similar to Atriplex. The density in normal condition is 0.92 gr/cm3 which categorized the wood as heavy wood and its longitudinal shrinkage and ash content were measured as 5% and 5.5%) respectively.