Study of fibre and vessel anatomy of Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl

Abstract

Grewia tiliaefolia Vahl is a deciduous medium sized tree which grows in arid climate. It is used for its edible fruits, fodder and medicine. Anatomical studies were conducted at two year old trees at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam. One plus tree were selected from each age was felled for the study. Fibre and vessel morphology and its derived indices were observed and evaluated under the image analyzer (Optika). The present study investigated that the increase in anatomical trait from pith to periphery and variation in radial position from pith to periphery. This study concludes that, Grewia tiliaefolia is suitable for pulp and paper. Hence it could be commercially exploited for further tree improvement program.