Ecoanatomy of southamerican ebony, 'guayacan' (Libidibia paraguariensis, Fabaceae)

The wood of Libidibia paraguariensis (D. Parodi) G. P. Lewis, "guayacan" is homologous to that of Diospyros ebenum J. Koenig "ebony". It is a wood with technological and organoleptic characteristics that give excellent quality and significant future potential. For this reason study objectives were: (1) deepen the knowledge of anatomical qualities of the wood and bark; (2) analyze sapwood-heartwood ratio, and (3) characterize the growth rings. The study was conducted using samples from Guasayan, Santiago del Estero, and Villa Rio Bermejito, Chaco (Argentina). Six trees from each site were selected randomly. A wood disk from the main shaft of each individual, at a height of 1.3 m was achieved. The description of the wood and bark was performed. The relevant anatomical character with high diagnostic value was full stratification of radios. The rings are demarcated, with an average radial increment (RI) average 3.57 mm, the growth is slow-medium, with thick sapwood. The xylem has corresponding features to a mesomorphic species. The outer bark with one or two accumulated periderms, presents dehiscence in thin plates, which is a diagnostic element for field determination.