On the other hand, few studies discuss the role of the anatomical traits in the adaptation of the species to different habitats. In a study Solanum nigrum collected from different habitats in Europe and in Yugoslavia showed variability in terms of stomata number, number of hairs, thickness of lamina, palisade and spongy tissue, as well as the size of mesophyll cells of the species collected from different localities [15]. A similar study on the anatomical basis of resistance on plant species AbstractThe present paper make a synthesis of a comparative leaf anatomy including leaf surface, leaf lamina, petiole and venation as well as wood anatomy of 30 woody species of a Tamaulipan Thorn Scrub, Northeastern Mexico. The results showed a large variability in anatomical traits of both leaf and wood anatomy. The variations of these anatomical traits could be effectively used in taxonomic delimitation of the species and adaptation of the species to xeric environments. For example the absence or low frequency of stomata on leaf surface, the presence of long palisade cells, and presence of narrow xylem vessels in the wood could be related to adaptation of the species to drought. Besides the species with dense venation and petiole with thick collenchyma and sclerenchyma and large vascular bundle could be well adapted to xeric environments. It is suggested that a comprehensive consideration of leaf anatomy (leaf surface, lamina, petiole and venation) and wood anatomy should be used as a basis of taxonomy and drought resistance. of a typical arid Mediterranean ecosystem confirms the presence of several adaptive properties such as the presence of ergastic substances, mainly tannins and calcium oxalate in internal tissue, tolerance to the strong UV-B solar irradiance in the summer, besides the presence of trichomes, on the abaxial surfaces of leaves maintained water budget of the plants. In many species, trichomes or wax layers reduced radiation absorbance, two or three layers of palisade parenchyma presumably provide a better efficiency in utilizing the photosynthetic light. In almost every plant examined, stomata were sunken or well protected [16]. Research Advances on Leaf andA comparative study made in Venezuela on leaf epidermis of an orchid, Cattleya jenmani in vitro conditions demonstrated that compared to normal ones, the epidermal cells showed larger in size, lower anticlinal cell wall, lower size of stomata for adaptation of orchid, the leaves suffered changes in cells with an increase of mechanical resistance and rigidity [17].An ecophysiological study undertaken on two urban forestry species (Azadirachta indica and Millettia thonningii) demonstrated that the pattern of transpiration in M. thonningii was low in the morning, high in the noon and low in the afternoon. Leaf anatomical study revealed the presence of thick cuticle and high stomatal frequency in A. indica and a low stomatal frequency in M. thonningii [18]. Significant inter-cultivar differences among Hibiscus cultivars in leaf anatomical characteristics w...

Leaves play a vital role in the growth, development and productivity of woody plants in a forest ecosystem. The present paper deals first with a concise review of research advances undertaken globally on leaf traits of trees and shrubs and then a brief synthesis of results of leaf traits in Linares, Northeastern Mexico. A synthesis is made on research advances on leaf traits, leaf morphology and eco-physiology of trees and shrubs at the global levels and few studies in Northeastern Mexico. There exists a large variability in various leaf morphological traits viz. leaf dimensions and eco-physiological traits viz. leaf area, leaf specific area, leaf dry weight etc. The magnitudes of these traits vary depending on environmental conditions.

Using UV microspectrophotometry [14] studied the secondary wall structure of the tension wood of Laetia procera Poepp. (Flourtiaceae). It was observed that the secondary wall with alternate arrangement of thick and thin layers, possess S1 + S2 + S3 layers. It was observed that in the thick secondary wall, cellulose microfibril angle is very low

In a forest ecosystem, different trees and shrubs grow together mutually sharing solar radiation and absorption of nutrients from soil horizons. Each species has its own mechanism for coexistence and adaptation in the ecosystem for different moro-physiological traits such leaf traits, branching pattern, leaf pigments, epicuticular wax, leaf nutrients, carbon fixation, protein and other traits. Nevertheless, some species are more efficient in most of these traits over all other species. Therefore, there is a great necessity to select species with highly efficient morpo-physiological traits. In the Forest Science Faculty, Universidad de Nuevo Leon, Mexico , using standard protocols, we are undertaking consistent research inputs in evaluating 37 woody plant species in a woodland forest ecosystem in Northeastern Mexico for a large number of morpho-physiological traits (24 parameters). We have selected few topmost species for these traits. For only 22 traits. Morphological traits: Morphological traits contribute to the productivity and forage values for ruminants

No abstract