Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of Guayacan

Guayacan (Porlieria chilensis Johnst.) is a small tree or shrub endemic of Chile, belong to the Zygophyllaceae family, distributed between Region IV and VI of country, is to very adapted drier sites, growing in rocky mountain slope. This specie is classified under Vulnerable category. The study described the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this wood, contributing at knowledge of this plant, the only represent of its genera in Chile. The more important macroscopic characteristics of wood are the contrast of color between its yellow sapwood and dark brown to green olive heartwood, obtaining an decorative figure, that joint to its hardness are characteristics very appreciated by the handicraftsman of Region IV. Microscopically presents difuse-porous, solitary vessel, fibres very thick-walled, axial parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates, uniseriate rays and storied.