Systematic wood anatomy and affinities of the Urticaceae

Abstract

The wood anatomy of all tribes of the Urticaceae, a family of herbs, shrublets, and sometimes shrubs, trees or lianas, has been studied and described in detail. Special attention is given to the interpretation of the characters in terms of taxonomy and phylogeny. A classification, in part deviating from the existing morphological classification, is presented. Finally, the relationship within the Urticaceae, as well as the relationships with the Ulmaceae and Moraceae (including Cecropiaceae) are discussed