Observation of changes of cambial domain patterns on the basis of primary ray development in Fagus silvatica L.

Abstract

The high multiseriate primary rays that occur in young stems of Fagus silvatica L. undergo splitting during cambium development. Segments of the split primary rays remain close to each other and form characteristic strands. Within these strands, sections can be observed in which the rays are split in the same direction, either in configuration Z or S. The configuration of other cambial cellular events neighboring the primary rays under consideration is in agreement with the configuration of the splitting of these rays. The arrangement of the rays on the surface of the wood after debarking a young stem makes it possible to decipher the domain pattern on a surface of any given size. As the stem segment ages, the borders between domains migrate and new borders are formed, changing their course from longitudinal to transverse.