On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the International Association of Wood Anatomists several symposia were held during the 13th International Botanical Congress in Sydney, August 1981. Extended versions of most of the invited papers presented there, and some additional papers on aspects which could not be included in the congress program constitute the contents of this book, which intentionally received the pretentious title 'New Perspectives in Wood Anatomy'. To some readers it may seem a paradox that under this heading papers on a diversity of partly traditional wood anatomical subjects are assembled, even including two with a historical emphasis. However, a study of the history of wood anatomy and of how students of that discipline joined forces in an inter national association, brings to light many facts and views which deserve the attention of present day and future wood scientists as a potential source of in spiration for their research and organisational work.

This atlas presents macroscopic descriptions, macro cross section pictures, general characteristics and identification keys of 335 wood species currently introduced in the European timber market from all over the world. Overall 292 different genera are represented and CITES-listed timbers are also included. Macroscopic descriptions are based on a recently proposed list of macroscopic features for wood identification. Macroscopic features and their codes are defined and illustrated in the atlas. Wood descriptions also include information about natural durability, physical and mechanical properties, end uses, environmental sustainability and possible related misleading commercial names. Furthermore, each genus is described in terms of number of species, geographical distribution and main commercial timbers, and details are given about to what extent timbers within the genus can be typically identified through macroscopic and microscopic analysis, if any. The atlas will be a valuable guide for all agents in charge for timber verification, those involved in the European Timber Regulation enforcement and CITES inspections, as well as wood scientists, foresters, wood sellers, wood restorers, and any wood worker and wood passionate interested in a fast and reliable tool for wood identification.

Stems, of various sizes and shapes, are involved in most of the organic processes and interactions of plants, ranging from support, transport, and storage to development and protection. The stem itself is a crucially important intermediary: it links above- and below ground organs-connecting roots to leaves. An international team of leading researchers vividly illustrate that stems are more than pipes, more than simple connecting and supporting structures; rather stems are critical, anatomically distinct structures of enormous variability. It is, to an unappreciated extent, this variability that underpins both the diversity and the success of plants in myriad ecosystems. Plant Stems will be a valuable resource on form/function relationships for researchers and graduate-level students in ecology, evolutionary biology, physiology, development, genetics, agricultural sciences, and horticulture as they unravel the mechanisms and processes that allow organisms and ecosystems to function. - Syntheses of structural, physiological, and ecological functions of stems - Multiple viewpoints on how stem structure relates to performance - Highlights of major areas of plant biology long neglected

Trees are a major component of the biosphere and have played an important part in the world's history and culture. With the modern challenges of global warming and dwindling fossil fuel reserves, trees, and in particular their wood, can provide solutions. Unfortunately, too little is known about the biology of these plants, due largely to a lack of