Needles anatomical differences of Pinus tropicalis Morelet in extreme soil of slate and white sandy

Abstract

P. tropicalis is a species endemic to western Cuba, prioritized in Forest Development Plans until 2030. It develops in very contrasting edatopes of white sands and slates, so over the years it must show anatomical differences that allow it to grow. The objective of the study was to characterize the anatomical variation in transversal cuts of the needles of the species in three localities of Pinar del Río. Differences were detected in the anatomical variables of the needles. The variables number of stomas, thickness of the hypodermis and number of resin channels separate San Ubaldo on white sands from the rest. The discriminant analysis shows with 87% certainty the classification of the cases in each of the collection localities (a priori) and the variables number of stomata, number of channels, cuticle thickness and thickness of hypodermis the most discriminant. Preliminarily it is inferred that soil conditions and water availability influence foliar anatomy.

Keywords

• Pinus tropicalis
• anatomía de las acículas
• variación anatómica.