Atlas of Woody Plant Stems

This atlas gives a unique assemblage of microscopic slides of wood anatomy and of the respective species in nature and demonstrates the reaction of stem anatomy to environments in which plants form woody stems. It provides insight into the evolution of wood, to the variation of wood anatomy in response to climate and disturbances, and it gives an introduction to the methodology used to study wood. Special attention has been given to the unique feature of secondary growth. In color throughout and with more than 700 both beautiful and instructive illustrations, the wide-ranging scientific content of this book makes it both attractive and unique.

"This atlas describes the anatomical basics of dendrochronology and wood technology. It gives a unique assemblage of microscopic slides of wood and bark anatomy and demonstrates the reaction of stems to different environments. It provides insight into the evolution of wood, to the variation of wood anatomy in response to climate and disturbances, and it gives an introduction to the methodology used to study wood. Special attention has been given to the unique feature of secondary growth. It occurs in annuals as well as in thousand-year-old living plants and it is the base for the observed large morphological and physiological diversity of woody species. The aesthetic and perfect functional structures in the anatomical slides and the pictures of the studied species are accentuated by the appealing design of the book. This, along with the wide-ranging scientific content make the book both attractive and unique. TOC:The Evolution of Plant Stems in the Earth's History.- The Structure of the Cormus.- Secondary Growth: Advantages and Risks.- Modification of the Stem Structure.- Modification of the Xylem Within a Plant.- Modification of Organs.- Wood Structural Variability.- Modifications Caused by Weather and Climate.- Modifications Caused by Extreme Growth Factors.- Decay of Dead Wood.- Microscopical Preparation."

The Evolution of Plant Stems in the Earth's History.- The Structure of the Plant Body.- Secondary Growth: Advantages and Risks.- Modification of the Stem Structure.- Modification of the Xylem Within a Plant.- Modification of the Xylem and Phloem by Ecological Factors.- Modification of Organs.- Anatomical Variability.- Wood Structural Modifications Caused by Weather and Climate.- Wood Structural Modifications Caused by Extreme Events.- From Anatomical Features to Plant Structures.- Decay of Dead Wood.- Microscopical Preparation.