Wood from stem and root of L. salviifolia Cham. (Verbenaceae) was studied. Three plants were sampled in a "cerrado" area in Pratânia municipality, São Paulo state (23º02'55,5" S e 48º31'26,1" W). Stem samples were collected at breast height (1.30 m from soil), and root samples were collected 30 to 40 cm from the stem base. There were qualitative and quantitative variations between root and stem wood. The most relevant quantitative characteristics diferentiating root wood from stem wood were: vessel elements length and frequency; fibre length, diameter and wall thickness; and ray width and height. Well defined growth increments were observed in root and stem wood. Simple and multiple perforation plates were observed in vessel elements in root and stem wood, however radiate plates were observed only in root wood. Septate fibres and wider rays were observed in root wood.
Lippia salviifolia; root; stem; Verbenaceae; wood anatomy
