Promoting a standardized description of fossil tracheidoxyls

The paleoxylology of coniferous woods has progressed considerably since Krausel's last (incomplete) synthesis in 1949. Nomenclatural practice has slowly purged itself of the diagnostic use of etymology. The use of certain new words or phrases has become essential, while other words have been subject to significant semantic drift or unjustified omission. The interest of secondary characters was highlighted. Ways of describing have also evolved, sometimes in divergent ways. The list of characters (and states) published by the International Association of Wood Anatomists in 2004 represents a fundamental step towards a standardization of practices. However, it does not take into account some of the particularities of palaeoxylology. Here we propose: (1) a plea that etymology should definitely no longer be considered diagnostic; (2) a standardized format for the description of fossil tracheidoxyls; (3) an illustrated glossary of certain terms specific to paleoxylology. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.