Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don [Plate 72]

A small evergreen shrub growing in the lower alpine zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540170*, d=ca. 3cm, h=0.5m, alt. 3960m: around Baula Pokhari (3960 m), H. Ohba et al., July 10, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with very small pores and sometimes with discontinuous rings. Growth rings are present but quite obscure; usually one layer of flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal barely define the boundary of growth rings; width is fairly narrow (0.1-0.4 mm) and sometimes extremely narrow.

Pores are evenly distributed with a tendency to be fewer and smaller in the initial zones of growth rings; tending to be solitary when compared with those in the outer portions of growth rings; solitary or in tangential multiple or in clusters; pores are uniform in size and very small, polygonal in outline, 12-33 and 10-25 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with very thin walls (less than 1 µm in thickness). Vessel elements are fairly short (200-320 µm); perforation plates are small and exclusively scalariform with a little thick bars at narrow intervals, which sometimes become reticulate; bars not many, mostly 7-13. Intervessel pits are sparse and alternate; round or a little horizontally long-elliptical in outline (about 4 µm in horizontal diameter) with slit-like apertures. Spiral thickenings are restricted at the ligulate ends of vessel elements.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; fairly small rectangular or polygonal in outline (6-18 and 8- 18 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively); usually one layer of fiber tracheids becomes flattened (less than 5 µm in radial diameter) at the terminal of growth rings; walls fairly thin (less than 1.5 µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged and very small with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is diffuse; quite difficult to recognize in cross section because it is very similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; mostly uniseriate and sometimes multiseriate. Uniseriate rays are very high and consist of wholly upright cells; mostly 1-15 cells and 30-360 µm and sometimes more in height. Multiseriate rays are mixed with uniseriate rays or aggregated in small groups of two to several rays; 3-5 cells wide (20-40 µm), and rather low (250-440 µm); made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and low uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings usually have one or two cells. Upright and square cells are more or less slender elliptical or fusiform in tangential section; 25-65,7-15 and 15-35 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or polygonal in tangential section; 6-18, 5-13 and 25-50 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and alternately dense; polygonal or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

Rhododendron arboreum Smith [Plate 73]

The most dominant tree from the upper temperate zone to the sub-alpine zone. It is a large evergreen tree (sometimes reaching to 100 cm in diameter and 30 m high) in the lower altitude and it becomes a small tree in the sub-alpine zone.

SPECIMENS. No. 8340065, alt. 1960 m: Gandaki Zone, Pokhara Dist., Pathana (Dhampus, 2050 m)-Tolka (1850 m), H. Ohba et al., July 8, 1983. No. 8340142, d=50 cm, h= 15 m, alt. 2780 m: Dhaulagiri Zone, Parbat Dist., Banthand (2650 m)-Gorepani Deolari (3170 m), H. Ohba et al., July 12, 1983. No. 8340436*, d=20 cm, h=8 m, alt. 2200m: Rolwaling Khola, Simigaon (1950 m)-Sekpa (2300 m)-Kyalche (2700 m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 31, 1983.

DESCKIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with small pores and sometimes with pith flecks. Growth rings are present but indistinct; the difference in pore size between the outermost late wood and the following early wood and flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal define the boundary of growth rings; width is variable sometimes with discontinuous rings (0.2-4.0 mm).

Pores are abundant and evenly distributed without any specific patterns; solitary or in multiples with two to several pores in tangential or radial direction; pore size is reduced gently from the beginning to the end of the growth rings; 25-60 and 25-45 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively in the early wood, while about 15 and 20 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively in the smaller pores near the end of the growth rings; polygonal or rectangular in outline with thin walls (1,5-2.5 µm in thickness). Vessel elements are short (220-500 µm); perforation plates are exclusively scalariform with fine bars at a little wide intervals; mostly 8-20 bars; bars are more numerous and thick in the vessels at the end of growth rings. Intervessel pits are sometimes observed; arranged alternately with narrow spaces and small round (about 4µm in diameter) with slit-like apertures. Spiral thickenings are distinct on the entire inner walls.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; polygonal or rectangular in outline (10-25 and 8-27 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively), but become flattened at the terminal of growth rings (less than 6 µm in radial diameter); with a little thick walls (3-4 µm); bordered pits are quite similar to intervessel pits or a little smaller; fine spiral thickenings are present.

Wood parenchyma is a little abundant; diffuse and diffuse-in-aggregate; size in cross section is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; uniseriate and multiseriate. Uniseriate rays consist entirely of upright or square cells; 1-16 cells and 60-800 µm or more in height. Multiseriate rays are 2-6, mostly 3-5 cells wide (3 0-80 µm) and 250-1250 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low, mostly with one or two cells, but sometimes become very high with four to eight or more cells. Upright and square cells are slender elliptical, fusiform or triangle in tangential section; 50-100, 10-25 and 20-55 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or vertically long-elliptical in tangential section; 12-35, 10-25 and 30-150 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and dense; arranged alternately; oval or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures.

Rhododendron arboreum Smith subsp. cinnamomeum (Wall. ex Lindl.) Tagg [Plate 74]

An evergreen tree growing mainly in the sub-alpine zone.

SPECIMENS. No. 8340466, d=15 cm, h=6 m, alt, 2650m; No. 8340474, d=20cm, h=7 m, alt, 3150 m: Rolwaling Khola, Kyalche (2700 m)-Dongang (2650 m)-Thandingma (3200 m), H. Ohba et al., Sept. 1, 1983. No, 8340495*, d=25 cm, h=6 m, alt, 2930 m: Khare Khola, Patale Pokhari (4000 rn)-a pass (4200 m)-Phedi Kharka (2100 m), Ohba et al., Sept. 13, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with small pores and often with pith flecks. Growth rings are present but indistinct; one to several layers of flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal barely define the boundary of growth rings; 1.2-2.7 mm in width.

Pores are abundant and evenly distributed without any specific pore patterns; solitary or in multiple with two to several pores in tangential or radial direction; polygonal in outline and quite uniform in size; 15-60 and 15-50µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with thin walls (about 1.2µm). Vessel elements are short (300- 500 µm); perforation plates are exclusively scalariform with fine bars at a little wide intervals; mostly 8-20 bars; bars are more numerous and thick in the vessels at the end of growth rings. Intervessel pits alternate with spaces and small round (4-5 µm in diameter) with slit-like apertures. Spiral thickenings are distinct on the entire inner walls.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; polygonal or rectangular in outline (10-25 and 8-25 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively), but become flattened at the terminal of growth rings (less than 6 µm in radial diameter); with rather thin walls (2-2.5 µm); bordered pits are quite similar to intervessel pits or a little smaller; fine spiral thickenings are present.

Wood parenchyma is diffuse and diffuse-in-aggregate; size in cross section, is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; uniseriate and multiseriate. Uniseriate rays consist entirely of upright or square cells; 1-12 cells and 60-560 µm or more in height. Multiseriate rays are 2-6, mostly 3-5 cells wide (20-80 µm) and 250-850 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low often with one or two cells but sometimes lacking or very high with four to eight or more cells. Upright and square cells are slender elliptical, fusiform or triangle in tangential section; 30-90, 10-25 and 25-50 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or vertically long-elliptical in tangential section; 10-30, 8-20 and 35-170 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively, Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and dense; arranged alternately; oval or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures.

Rhododendron barbatum Wall. [Plate 75]

An evergreen tree growing from the upper temperate zone to the subalpine zone.

SPECIMENS. No. 8340133*, d=20 cm, h=10 m, alt. 2700 m; No. 8340156, d=25 cm, h=8m,alt. 3120m: Dhaulagiri Zone, Parbat Dist., Banthanti (2650 m)-Gorepani Deolari (3170 m), H. Ohba et al., July 12, 1983. No. 8340481, d=18 cm, h=6 m, alt. 3240 m: Rolwaling Khola, Thandingma (3203 m)-Nimare (3450 m)-Beding (3600 m), H. Ohba et al., Sept. 2, 1983. No. 8340493, d=18 cm, h=6 m, alt. 3340m: Khare Khola, Patale Pokhari (4000 m)-a pass (4200 m)-Phedi Kharka (2100 m), Ohba et al., Sept. 13, 1983, No. 8540165, d= 15 cm, h=3.5 m, alt. 3450 m: Serdingma (3400 m)-Dubikharka (3720 m), H. Ohba et al., July 7,1985. No. 8540274, d=10 cm, h=3.5 m, alt. 3260 m: Pike Dongshar (3600 m)-Ngawur (3300m)-Goligaon (2900 m)-Namikhil (2300m), H. Ohba et al., Sept. 9, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with small pores and often with pith flecks. Growth rings are present but indistinct; the difference in pore size between the outer most late wood and the following early wood and the flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal define the boundary of growth rings; width is variable from fairly narrow to a little wide (0.1-2.9 mm).

Pores are abundant and evenly distributed with some tendency to be in tangential multiples especially in the late wood; solitary or in a multiple with two to several pores; pore size is reduced gently from the beginning to the end of the growth rings; polygonal in outline, 10-60 and 15-50µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with thin walls (1-1.5 µm). Vessel elements are short (250-460µm); perforation plates are exclusively scalariform with a little thick bars at narrow to a little wide intervals; mostly 10-30 or more bars. Inter vessel pits alternate with round pits and are sometimes in scalariform with horizontally long pits; small round to horizontally long-elliptical (4-13 µm in horizontal diameter) with slit-like apertures. Spiral thickenings are distinct on the entire inner walls.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; polygonal or rectangular in outline (8-25 and 12-22 µm radial and tangential diameters respectively), but become flattened at the terminal of growth rings (less than 5 µm in radial diameter); with rather thin walls (2-2.5 µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged and small round with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is diffuse and diffuse-in-aggregate; size in cross section is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; uniseriate and multiseriate. Uniseriate rays consist mostly of upright or square cells and sometimes from procumbent cells especially in higher rays; 1-10 cells and 60-370 µm or more in height. Multiseriate rays are 2-4, mostly 2 or 3 cells wide (20-50µm) and 200-750 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low often with one or two cells but sometimes become very high with four to nine or more cells. Upright and square cells are slender elliptical, fusiform or triangular in tangential section; 25-75, 10-20 and 20-50 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or vertically long-elliptical in tangential section; 10-30, 6-22 and 50-160 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and alternately dense and sometimes in scalariform; oval or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

Rhododendron campamdatum D. Don [Plate 76]

An evergreen tree growing from the upper temperate zone to the subalpine zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540158*, d=20 cm, h =8 m, alt. 3250 m; Janakpur Zone, Dolakha Dist., Deolari (2700 m)-Thodung (3000 m)-Serdingma (3400 m), H. Ohba et al., July 6, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with small pores. Growth rings are present but indistinct; a little difference of pore size between the outermost late wood and the following early wood and flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal define the boundary of growth rings; width is fairly narrow (0.1-0.8 mm).

Pores are abundant and evenly distributed without any tendency to be of a specific pore pattern; solitary or in tangential multiple with two to several pores; pore size is reduced gently from the beginning to the end of the growth rings; polygonal in outline, 15-55 and 15-40µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with very thin walls (less than 1 µm). Vessel elements are short (300-500 µm); perforation plates are exclusively scalariform with fine to a little thick bars at a little wide to narrow intervals; mostly 15-25 or more bars. Intervessel pits are observed mainly on the radial walls; sparse and alternate with round pits; small round (about 5 µm in diameter) with slit- like apertures. Spiral thickenings are present on the entire inner walls, especially distinct at the ligulate ends of vessel elements.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; polygonal or rectangular in outline (8-20 and 10-20 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively), but become flattened at the terminal of growth rings (less than 6 µm in radial diameter); with rather thin walls (about 2 µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged and small round with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is rather sparse and diffuse; size in cross section is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; uniseriate and multiseriate. Uniseriate rays consist mostly of upright or square cells; 1-7 cells and 40-330 µm or more in height. Multiseriate rays arc narrow, 2 or 3 cells wide (20-30µm), and low, 180-500 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low often with one or two cells but sometimes become high with four or more cells. Upright and square cells are slender elliptical, fusiform or triangular in tangential section; 35-75, 10-18 and 15-40µm in vertical, tangential and, radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or vertically long-elliptical in tangential section; 10-25, 10-15 and 50-100 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and alternately dense; polygonal or horizontally a little long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don var. wallichii (Hook. f.) Hook. f. [Plate 77]

An evergreen tree growing from the upper temperate zone to the sub-alpine zone.

SPECIMENS. No. 8340469, d=12 cm, h=3 m, alt. 2790 m; Rolwaling Khola, Kyalche (2700 m)-Dongang (2650 m)-Thandingma (3200 m), H. Ohba et al., Sept. 1, 1983. No. 8340487*, d=20 cm, h=3 m, alt. 3650 m: Rolwaling Khola, Beding (3600 m)-Na (4050 m), H. Ohba et al., Sept. 4, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with small pores. Growth rings are present but indistinct; difference of pore size between the outermost late wood and the following early wood and several layers of flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal define the boundary of growth rings; width is a little wide (1.2-2.8 mm).

Pores are abundant and evenly distributed without any tendency to a specific pore pattern; solitary or in small multiples or clusters with two to several pores; pore size is reduced gently from the beginning to the end of the growth rings; polygonal in outline; 15-60 and 15-52 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively. Vessel elements are fairly short (150-320µm); perforation plates are exclusively scalariform with fine to a little thick bars at a little wide to narrow intervals; mostly 15-20 bars. Intervessel pits are arranged alternately with spaces; round to elliptical, small (about 5 µm in diameter) with slit-like apertures. Spiral thickenings are present on the entire inner walls, especially distinct at the ligulate ends of vessel elements.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; polygonal or rectangular in outline (8-25 and 10-20 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively), but become flattened at the terminal of growth rings (less than 6µm in radial diameter); with rather thin walls (about 1.5µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged and small round with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is rather sparse; diffuse and diffuse-in-aggregate; size in cross section is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; 1-4-seriate; consisting of upright, square and procumbent cells. Uniseriate rays consist mostly of upright or square cells and sometimes of procumbent cells; 1-17 cells and 30-400µm or more in height. Multiseriate rays are narrow, 22-45 µm in width, and rather low, 150-500 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low often, with one cell but sometimes become high with eight or more cells. Upright and square cells are elliptical, fusiform or triangular in tangential section; 25-53, 10-20 and 17-43 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or vertically long-elliptical in tangential section; 10-25, 5-15 and 28-113 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and alternately dense; polygonal or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

Rhododendron dalhonsiae Hok. f. [Plate 78]

An evergreen epiphytic shrub on big trees in the temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540118*, d=2 cm, h=2 m, on the trunk of Quercus semecarpifolia, alt. 2490 m: Kutumsang (2450 m)-Gul Bhanjyang (3410 m)-Pati Bhanjyang (1780 m), M. Suzuki & S. Noshiro, June 4, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with small pores. Growth rings are present but not distinct; the differences of pore size and pore density between the outermost late wood and the following early wood and several layers of flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal define the boundary of growth rings; very narrow to narrow, 0.05- 1.3 mm in width.

Pores are fairly evenly distributed but more abundant in the early wood than in the late wood; mostly solitary and rather rarely in multiples with two to several pores in tangential or radial direction; pore size is reduced gently from the beginning to the end of the growth rings; 13-38 and 15-30 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively in the early wood, while about 15 and 20 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively in the smaller pores near the end of the growth rings; polygonal or rectangular in outline with thin walls (about 1.5µm in thickness). Vessel elements are a little long (350-550 µm); perforation plates are exclusively scalariform with fine bars at a little wide intervals; bars a little numerous (mostly 15-26 bars) and more numerous and thick in the vessels at the end of growth rings, Intervessel pits are arranged alternately with narrow spaces and small round (3-4µm in diameter) with slit-like apertures; sometimes tend to be arranged in scalariform. Spiral thickenings are restricted to the ligulate ends of vessel elements.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; polygonal or rectangular in outline (8-25 and 8-25 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively), but become flattened at the terminal of growth rings (less than 5 µm in radial diameter); with a little thick walls (2.5-3 µm); bordered pits are quite similar to intervessel pits or a little smaller than those; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is a little abundant; diffuse and diffuse-in-aggregate; size in cross section is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; uniseriate and multiseriate. Uniseriate rays are consist entirely of upright cells; 1-12 cells and 40-700µm or more in height. Multiseriate rays are rather few and distributed evenly; rather narrow and not so high; 2-5 cells (25-50 µm) in width and 220-780 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low mostly with one or two cells but sometimes become fairly higher with several cells. Upright and square cells are slender elliptical, fusiform or triangular in tangential section; 35-75,8-25 and 12-35 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or vertically long-elliptical in tangential section; 14-30, 12-30 and 35-87 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and dense; arranged alternately; oval or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures.

Rhododendron hodgesonii Hook. f. [Plate 79]

An evergreen tree growing in the upper temperate zone and in the sub-alpine zone.

SPECIMENS. No, 8540246*, d=18 cm, h=6 m, alt. 3560 m; No. 8540247; d=30 cm, h= 7 m, alt. 3560 m; Sarkari Pati (3350 m)-Ringmo (2700 m)-Phera (2500 m)-Beni (2350 m), H. Ohba et al., Sept. 3, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with very small pores and often with pith flecks. Growth rings are present but indistinct; several layers of flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal barely define the boundary of growth rings; width is fairly narrow (0.1-1.5 mm).

Pores are abundant and evenly distributed; solitary or in tangential multiples with two to several pores; pores are uniform in size and small, polygonal in outline, 15-45 and 12-35 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with very thin walls (less than 1 µm in thickness). Vessel elements are rather short (300-450 µm); perforation plates are exclusively scalariform with fine to a little thick bars at narrow intervals, and sometimes become reticulate; bars rather numerous, mostly 15-30 or more. Intervessel pits are found mainly on the radial walls; sparse and alternate; round or a little horizontally long-elliptical in outline (about 4 µm in horizontal diameter) with slit-like apertures. Spiral thickenings are distinct on the entire inner walls.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; small rectangular or polygonal in outline (8-10 and 10-20 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively), but become strongly flattened at the terminal of growth rings; walls rather thin (about 2 µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged, small and round with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is diffuse and diffuse-in-aggregate; size in cross section is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; uniseriate and multiseriate. Uniseriate rays mostly consist of upright or square cells; mostly 1-10 cells and 60-400 µm and sometimes up to 16 cells (710 µm) in height. Multiseriate are narrow, 2-4, mostly 2 or 3, cells wide (10-25µm), and low to a little high, 180-550 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low, often with one to two cells but sometimes become high with 5-8 or more cells. Upright and square cells are slender elliptical, fusiform or triangular in tangential section; 25-75, 8-20 and 20-40 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or vertically long-elliptical in tangential section; 10-18, 8-16 and 45-100 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and alternately dense; polygonal or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don, 'forest form' [Plate 80]

A small evergreen shrub with a straight slender stem growing in the forests of the upper temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540037*, d=1.5 cm, h=about 1 m, alt. 2680 m: Bagmati Zone, Rasuwa Dist., Lama Hotel (2480 m)-Ghora Tabela (3000 m)-Langtang (3380 m), M. Suzuki & S. Noshiro, May 25, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with very small pores, pith flecks and occasional discontinuous rings. Growth rings are present but quite obscure; 1-3 layers of flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal barely define the boundary of growth rings; width is fairly narrow (0.1-1.0 mm).

Pores are quite evenly distributed; mostly solitary and sometimes in small multiples with two or three pores; pores are quite uniform in size and very small, polygonal in outline, 12-25 and 12-20 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with very thin walls (less than 1 µm in thickness). Vessel elements are rather short (180-320 µm); perforation plates are small and exclusively scalariform with a little thick bars at narrow intervals, and sometimes become reticulate; bars mostly 10-15. Intervessel pits are rarely observed on the radial walls; sparse and alternate; round or a little horizontally long-elliptical in outline (about 4 µm in horizontal diameter) with slit-like apertures. Spiral thickenings are faintly seen on the vessel walls while distinctly observed at the ligulate ends of vessel elements.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; fairly small rectangular or polygonal in outline (6-18 and 8-15 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively); become flattened at the terminal of growth, rings; walls fairly thin (less than about 1.5 µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged, very small and round with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is diffuse; quite difficult to recognize in cross section because its size in cross section is very similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; mostly uniseriate; multiseriate rays are fairly few and mixed with uniseriate rays. Uniseriate rays are very high and constituted wholly of upright cells; mostly 1-13 cells and 50-470 µm and sometimes up to more in height. Multiseriate rays are rather rare; 2-5 cells and 12-40 µm in width and 180-630 µm or more in height; consisting of multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings often have many cells. Upright and square cells are quite slender elliptical or fusiform in tangential section; 20-50, 8-15 and 14-30 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or elliptical in tangential section; 6-15, 6-15 and 26-60 µm in. vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals invisible in all ray cells. Rayvessel pits are numerous and alternately dense; polygonal or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

Rhododendron lepidotum Wall. ex G. Don, 'alpine form' [Plate 81]

A small evergreen shrub with squashed stems growing mainly in the lower alpine zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540173*, d=1.5 cm, h=0.3 m, alt. 4040 m; Janakpur Zone, Ramechhap Dist., Baula Pokhari (3960 m)-a peak (4100 m)-Chhu Ningma (4040 m), H. Ohba et al., July 11, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with very small pores and pith flecks. Growth rings are present but quite obscure; only one layer of flattened fiber tracheids at the the terminal barely defines boundary of growth rings; width is fairly narrow (0.1- 0.7 mm).

Pores are quite evenly distributed; mostly solitary and rarely in couples; pores are quite uniform in size and very small, polygonal in outline, 10-20 and 10-20 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with very thin walls (less than 1 µm in thickness). Vessel elements are fairly short (150-300µm); perforation plates are small and exclusively scalariform with a little thick bars at narrow intervals, and sometimes become reticulate; bars are few, mostly 7-16. Intervessel pits are usually seen on the radial walls; sparse and alternate; round or horizontally long-elliptical in outline (about 4µm in horizontal diameter) with slit-like apertures. Spiral thickenings are restricted to the ligulate ends of vessel elements.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; very small rectangular or polygonal in outline (5-12 and 5-15 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively); become flattened at the terminal of growth rings; walls fairly thin (less than about 1.5µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged, very small and round with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is diffuse; very difficult to recognize in cross section because its size is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; mostly uniseriate; multiseriate rays are rather few and mixed with uniseriate rays. Uniseriate rays are very high and consist of upright and square cells; mostly 1-15 cells and 35-520 µm and sometimes up to more in height. Multiseriate rays are not abundant; in groups of several rays or mixed with the uniseriate rays except for disturbed portions of leaf or branch traces; a little wide and rather low; 3-5 cells and 22-50 µm in width and 170-470 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low, often with one or two cells. Upright and square cells are quite slender elliptical or fusiform in tangential section; 20-45, 10-15 and 15- 28 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or polygonal in tangential section; 7-18, 7-18 and 25-40 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and alternately dense; polygonal or horizontally long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

Rhododendron setosum D. Don [Plate 82]

A small evergreen shrub growing in the lowest alpine zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540193*, d=3 cm, h=1.2 m, alt. 3750 m: around Neju (3651 m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 1, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with very small pores. Growth rings are present but quite obscure; 1-3 layers of flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal barely define the boundary of growth rings; width is fairly narrow (0.05-0.4 mm) and sometimes extremely narrow.

Pores are quite evenly distributed; mostly solitary and sometimes in multiple with two or three pores; uniform in size and very small, polygonal in outline, 10-25 and 10- 20 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with very thin walls (less than 1 iµm in thickness). Vessel elements are rather short (300-450 µm); perforation, plates are small and exclusively scalariform with a little thick bars at narrow intervals, and sometimes become reticulate; bars mostly 12-20. Intervessel pits are observed mainly on the radial walls; sparse and alternate; round or horizontally long-elliptical in outline (about 4 µm in horizontal diameter) with slit-like apertures, Spiral thickenings are present but not so distinct, while distinct at the ligulate ends of vessel elements.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; fairly small rectangular or polygonal in outline (6-15 and 8-18 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively); become flattened at the terminal of growth rings; walls fairly thin (less than 1.5 µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged, very small and round with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings are invisible.

Wood parenchyma is diffuse; quite difficult to recognize in cross section because its size is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; mostly uniseriate and rarely multiseriate. Uniseriate rays are very high and consist wholly of upright cells; mostly 1-17 cells and 45-750 µm and sometimes up to more in height. Multiseriate rays are rarely present except in the portions disturbed by leaf or branch traces; narrow, mostly 2-4 cells wide (15-50 µm), and rather low, 350-500 µm in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings often have many cells. Upright and square cells are quite slender elliptical or fusiform in tangential section; 25-75, 7-12 and 12-35 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or polygonal in tangential section; 8-20, 6-15 and 20-50 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and alternately dense; poly- gonal or horizontally a little long-elliptical with horizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

Rhododendron triflorum Hook. f. [Plate 83]

A small tree growing in the upper temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540242*, d=7 cm, h=2.5 m, alt, 2710m: Taktor (3000 m)-Junbesi (2650 m)-Mopung (2800 m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 20, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood is diffuse porous with very small pores and often with pith flecks. Growth rings are present but only faintly distinct; one or two layers of flattened fiber tracheids at the terminal barely define the boundary of growth rings; width is fairly narrow (0.1-1.6 mm).

Pores are abundant and quite evenly distributed without any tendency to be in a specific pattern; solitary or in tangential multiples with two to several pores; pores are uniform in size and fairly small, polygonal in outline, 15-45 and 12-35 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; with very thin walls (less than 1 µm). Vessel elements are short (230-350 µm); perforation plates are exclusively scalariform with fine to fairly thick bars at a little wide to very narrow intervals, and sometimes become reticulate; bars not so many, mostly 7-15 or more. Intervessel pits are observed mainly on the radial walls; sparse and alternate; round or a little horizontally long-elliptical in outline (5-8 µm in horizontal diameter) with slit-like apertures, Spiral thickenings are distinct on the entire inner walls.

Non-perforated tracheal elements are fiber tracheids. Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of wood; small rectangular or polygonal in outline (8-15 and 8-20µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively), but become strongly flattened at the terminal of growth rings; walls a little thick (2.5-3µm); bordered pits are sparsely arranged and round with slit-like apertures; spiral thickenings arc invisible.

Wood parenchyma is rather sparse and diffuse; size in cross section is quite similar to that of fiber tracheids; very thin-walled; crystals invisible.

Rays are heterogeneous; uniseriate and multiseriate, Uniseriate rays are constituted mostly of upright or square cells; 1-8 cells and 60-380 µm or more in height. Multiseriate rays are rather narrow, 2-4, mostly 2 or 3, cells wide (25-35 µm), and rather low to a little high, 230-600 µm or more in height; made up of a multiseriate central core of procumbent cells and uniseriate wings of square and upright cells; uniseriate wings are usually low often with one or two cells but sometimes become high with 3-5 or more cells. Upright and square cells are slender elliptical, fusiform or triangular in tangential section; 37-75, 10-18 and 17-38 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Procumbent cells are oval or vertically long-elliptical in tangential section; 12- 23, 8-15 and 45-90 µm in vertical, tangential and radial diameters respectively. Crystals are invisible in any ray cells. Ray-vessel pits are numerous and densely pitted alternately ; polygonal or horizontally long-elliptical withh orizontally long slit-like apertures and narrow borders.

MYRSINACEAE (Shuichi NOSHIRO)

Maesa chisia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don [Plate 84]

A small evergreen tree or shrub growing in the temperate zone.

SPECIMENS. No. 8340050, alt. 1650m; No. 8340056*, alt. 1770m: Gandaki Zone, Pokhara Dist., Suiket (1230 m)-Pathana (Dhampus) (2050 m), H. Ohba et al., July 7, 1983. No. 8340343, d=10cm, h=2.5 m, alt. 1880m: Marsyandi Khola, Dhanagyang (2200 m)- Dharpani (1800 m)-Tal (1620 m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 7, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings not distinct, obscurely delineated by radially flattened fibers. Pores evenly distributed, 57-86/mm2; solitary or 2-4-(8) in multiple, multiple pores usually in radial lines. Solitary pores angular in outline, somewhat rounded; 23-74 (average 57) and 28-60 (average 46) µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thin-walled. Pith flecks present.

Vessel elements 213-603 µm long. Perforation plates oblique; mostly simple, occa- sionally scalariform (to reticulate) with about 8 bars in narrow vessels; rarely two simple or scalariform perforations closely spaced within one perforation plate. Inter vascular pits alternate, dense, very small with oblique apertures. Spiral thickenings occasionally at the ligulated ends of vessel elements, Tyloses not observed.

Wood fibers constitute the ground mass of the wood; septate; square to polygonal in transverse outline, 7-30 µm. in diameter; thick-walled (about 4 µm); pits sparse, with slit-like apertures.

Wood parenchyma paratracheal or diffuse, rather few in number; each cell 65- 230 µm long or longer. Pits to vessel elements dense; circular or almost horizontally elongated, with nearly horizontal slit-like apertures; about 3 and 3-12 µm in vertical and horizontal diameters respectively; unilaterally compound.

Rays heterogeneous; 1-6 cell and 19-83 µm wide, 175-7070µm high. Uniseriate rays composed of upright cells; multiseriate rays composed of square to procumbent cells and upright cells. Square to procumbent cells 23-42 and 42-162 µm in. vertical and radial diameters respectively; upright cells 42-162 and 19-46µm in vertical and radial diameters respectively. Ray-vessel pits half-bordered; alternate, dense; circular to horizontally or rather obliquely elongated, with almost horizontal apertures; 3-14 µm in horizontal diameter; unilaterally compound. Druses rarely in small cells.

Maesa montana A. DC. [Plate 85]

A small evergreen tree growing in the temperate and subtropical zones.

SPECIMEN. No. 8340425*, d=8 cm, h=3.5 m, alt. 960 m: Tamba Kosi, Pikhuti (950 m)- Singati (950m)-Suri Dhoban (1000 m)-Totlabari (1100 m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 28, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings not distinct, obscurely delineated by radially flattened fibers. Pores evenly distributed, 54-63/mm2; solitary or 2-4(-8) in multiples, multiple pores usually in radial lines. Solitary pores angular in outline, somewhat rounded; 37-84 (average 62) and 28-65 (average 48) µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thin-walled. Pith flecks not observed.

Vessel elements 260-835 µm long. Perforation plates oblique; mostly simple, occa- sionally scalariform (to reticulate) with about 3-5 bars in narrow vessels; rarely two simple perforations closely spaced within one perforation plate. Intervascular pits alternate, dense, very small with oblique apertures. Spiral thickenings at the ligulated ends of vessel elements. Tyloses not observed.

Wood fibers constitute the ground mass of the wood; septate; square to polygonal in transverse outline, 9-30 µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 4.5 µm); pits sparse, with slit-like apertures.

Wood parenchyma paratracheal or diffuse; wood parenchyma cell rather few in number. Pits to vessel elements dense; circular, or almost horizontally elongated, with nearly horizontal slit-like apertures; about 3 and 3-16 µm in vertical and horizontal diameters respectively; unilaterally compound. Druses rarely in short cells.

Rays heterogeneous; 1-5 cell and 16-88 µm wide, 111-2740 µm high. Uniseriate rays composed of upright cells; multiseriate rays composed of square to procumbent cells and upright cells, with short uniseriate wings up to 160 µm high. Square to procumbent cells 23-42 and 28-46 µm in vertical and radial diameters respectively; upright cells 42-162 and 16-42µm in vertical and radial diameters respectively. Ray-vessel pits half-bordered; alternate, dense; circular to horizontally or rather obliquely elongated, with almost horizontal apertures; 3-14 µm in horizontal diameter; occasionally unilaterally compound. Druses occasionally in small, procumbent to square cells.

Maesa macrophylla (Wall.) A. DC. [Plate 86]

A small evergreen tree growing in the temperate and subtropical zones.

SPECIMEN. No. 8340414*, d =15 cm, h= 5 m, alt. 960 m: Tamba Kosi, Malephu (900 m)- Kosikhet (1000 m)-Pikhuti (950 m), Ohba et al., Aug. 27, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings not so distinct, obscurely delineated by radially flattened fibers. Pores evenly distributed, 21-45/mm2; solitary or 2-4(-6) in multiples, multiple pores usually in radial lines. Solitary pores angular in outline, somewhat rounded; 51-116 (average 90) and 42-79 (average 57) µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thin-walled. Pith flecks not observed.

Vessel elements 250-550 µm long. Perforation, plates oblique; mostly simple, rarely scalariform with about 4 bars in narrow vessels; rarely two simple perforations closely spaced within one perforation plate. Inter vascular pits alternate, dense, very small with oblique apertures. Fine spiral thickenings observed on the lateral walls of vessel elements, thick at the ligulated ends of vessel elements. Tyloses not observed.

Wood fibers constitute the ground mass of the wood; septate; square to polygonal in transverse outline, 9-46µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 4.5 µm); pits sparse, with slit-like apertures.

Wood parenchyma diffuse; the cells rather few in number; each cell 84-213 µm long or longer. Pits to vessel elements dense; circular, or almost horizontally elongated, with nearly horizontal slit-like apertures; about 3 and 3-14µm in vertical and horizontal diameters respectively; unilaterally compound.

Rays heterogeneous; 1-8 cell and 19-150µm wide, 55-1760µm high. Uniseriate rays composed of upright cells; multiseriate rays composed of procumbent, square and and upright cells, with short uniseriate wings. Procumbent cells 18-37µm, square cells 37-51 µm ,upright cells 37-150 µm, respectively in vertical diameter. Ray-vessel pits half-bordered; alternate to scalariform., dense; horizontally to obliquely elongated with horizontal to oblique apertures; up to 28 µm in horizontal diameter; unilaterally compound. Crystals not observed.

DAPHNIPHYLLACEAE (Shuichi NOSHIRO)

Daphniphyllum hirnalense (Benth.) Muell.-Arg. [Plate 87]

An evergreen tree and one of the dominant species of the temperate zone.

SPECIMENS. No. 8340038*, alt. 1180 m; No, 8340043, alt. 1210 m: Gandaki Zone, Pokhara (950 m)-Suiket (1230 m), H. Ohba et al., July 6, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings rather distinct, delineated by radially flattened fiber tracheids. Pores evenly distributed, very numerous, 142-173/ mm2; mostly solitary, sometimes 2(-4) in radial multiples or clusters. Solitary pores angular in outline; 23-74 (average 50) and 23-56 (average 40) µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thin-walled.

Vessel elements 800-1120 µm long. End walls steeply oblique. Perforation plates scalariform with 24-92 bars. Intervascular pits rarely observed; alternate, horizontally elongated, with horizontal apertures, 4.5-14 µm in horizontal diameter. Spiral thickenings not observed. Tyioses not observed.

Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of the wood; square to polygonal in outline, 9-26 µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 3.5 µm); pits small, about 8 µm in diameter, circular with slit-like apertures.

Wood parenchyma scanty paratracheal or diffuse; square to polygonal in outline; 7-23, 14-23, and 56-270 µm in radial, tangential and vertical diameters respectively. Pits between wood parenchyma and vessel elements scalariform up to 19 µm in horizontal diameter, with horizontally elongated apertures. Crystals not observed.

Rays heterogeneous 1-2(-3) cells wide. Uniseriate and multiseriate rays both composed of procumbent, square and upright cells. Uniseriate rays 214-1260 µm high; multiseriate rays 333-3550 µm high, with uniseriate wings up to 1120µm high. Procumbent cells 19-37 and 70-125 µm in vertical and radial diameters respectively; square cells 32-51 and 32-51 µm in vertical and radial diameters respectively; upright cells 46-162 and 28-56 µm in vertical and radial diameters respectively. Ray-vessel pits half-bordered; scalariform to alternate; circular, or horizontally or obliquely elongated, up to 23 µm in horizontal diameter, about 3.5 µm in vertical diameters, with horizontal apertures; rarely unilaterally compound. Crystals not observed.

ACTINIDIACEAE (Shuichi NOSHIRO)

Actinidia strigosa Hook. f. et Thoms. ex Benth. [Plate 88]

An evergreen vine growing in the temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540273,* d=5 cm, alt. 2680m: Sagarmatha Zone, Solukhunbu Dist., Loding (2600 m)-Pikebuk (2700 m)-Pike Bhanjyang (3500 m), H. Ohba et al., Sept. 5, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by radially flattened fiber tracheids and wood parenchyma; sometimes obscured by merging of rings in the late wood; 0.31-1.19 mm wide. Pore density different from ring to ring, 5-9.2/mm2. Pores solitary, round or a little radially elongated in outline, 46-370 and 46-316 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thin-walled.

End walls of vessel elements oblique; perforation plates simple or scalariform, with more than 60 bars. Spiral thickenings or tyioses not observed.

Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of the wood; triangular, square or polygonal in outline; 12-48µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 3.5µm). Pits opposite, dense; circular or horizontally elongated, with oblique to horizontally elongated apertures; 7 and 12-28 µm in vertical and radial diameters respectively.

Wood parenchyma vasicentric, apotracheal in short tangential bands, and diffuse; triangular, rectangular or polygonal in outline, flattened; 16-46 and about 10 µm in longer and shorter diameter; each cell 16-46 µm long; inter-parenchyma pita very small and crowded in circles; pits between wood parenchyma cells and vessel elements half bordered, circular with horizontal apertures, sometimes horizontally elongated, about 4.5 and 5-16 µm in vertical and radial diameters.

Rays heterogeneous; 1-6 cells and 23-111µm wide. Uniseriate rays composed of upright cells with some square cells, 84-460 µm high. Multiseriate rays 280-910 µm high; multiseriate body composed of procumbent cells, 150-580 µm high; uniseriate wing of upright cells, 55-370µm high. Ray-vessel pits very small, dense; circular or a little horizontally elongated, with oblique apertures; about 4.5µm in diameter. Crystals not observed.

OLEACEAE (Shuichi NOSHIRO)

Syringa emodi Wall. ex Royle [Plate 89]

A small deciduous tree or shrub growing in the temperate zone.

SPECIMENS. No. 8340260, d=6 cm, h=3.5 m, alt. 3330 m; No. 8340265*, d=10 cm, h=4 m, alt. 3340 m; No. 8340268, d=20 cm, h=5 m, alt, 3240m; No, 8340270, d=15 cm, h= 6 m, alt. 3200 m: Marsyandi Khola, Humde (3320 m)-Pisang (3130 m)-Deorali Danda (3050 m)-Bardang (2850 m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 4, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood ring porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by ring porosity; 0.19-1.43 mm wide. Transition from the early to the late wood rather abrupt. In the early wood, large pores arranged densely in 1-3 layers; solitary or 2-3 in multiples; solitary pores circular, slightly elliptical, 51-125 and 42-102 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; wall thickness medium, about 3 µm. In the late wood, sparse small pores solitary or 2-3 in multiples; diameter decrease from the early wood to the growth ring boundary gradual, 9-83 µm diameter.

Vessel elements 140-345µm long; end walls almost horizontal in the early wood, rather oblique in the late wood; perforation plates mostly simple, rarely scalariform with one bar in the narrow vessels. Intervascular pits alternate; circular or polygonal to horizontally a little elongated; about 7µm in vertical, 7-12µm in radial diameter. Spiral thickenings distinct, Tyloses present.

Wood fibers and fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of the late wood; wood fibers usually crowded at the beginning of the late wood with fiber tracheids occupying the rest of the late wood; both polygonal and rounded in transverse section, 4.5-26 µm in diameter, thick-walled (about 4.5 µm). Spiral thickenings distinct in fiber tracheids, not observed in wood fibers. Pits on the lateral walls of fiber tracheids bordered, circular with oblique aperture, about 6µm in diameter; pits on the lateral walls of wood fibers sparse, small, about 3µm in diameter, with steeply oblique slit-like apertures.

Wood parenchyma scanty paratracheal and initial in the early wood; the cells very few in the late wood; each cell 60-220µm long; interparenchyma pits simple, crowded in circles. Crystals not observed.

Rays heterogeneous, uniseriate or biseriate. Uniseriate rays composed of square and upright cells, 1-9 cells and 28-232µm high. Multiseriate rays composed of procumbent cells in the multiseriate body, and of upright cells in the uniseriate wings; 102-510µm high, with uniseriate wings 1-3(-8) cells and 19-315µm high. Ray-vessel pits almost simple with narrow borders; circular to horizontally elongated, about 4.5 and 4.5-9µm in vertical and radial diameter respectively, with broad apertures; sometimes unilaterally compound. Styloids occasionally present.

Ligustrum nepalense Wall. [Plate 90]

A small evergreen tree growing in the temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8340001*, d=12 cm, h=5 m, alt. 1390 m: Kathmandu Valley, Nagarjun Ban, H. Ohba et al., June 29, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by radially flatten tracheids and smaller pores in the late wood, sometimes obscured by false annual rings; 2.6-4.7 mm wide; growth rings undulate. Pores rather numerous, evenly dis-tributed, 79-99/mm2; solitary or 2-4(-5) in multiples; angular or rounded in outline; 19-84 (average 51) and 19-56 (average 40) µm in radial and tangential diameters re-spectively; thin-walled. Pith flecks present.

Vessel elements 290-550 µm long; end walls oblique; perforation plates exclusively simple. Intervascular pits alternate, moderately spaced; circular with nearly horizontal small apertures, about 9 µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings distinct. Tyloses not observed.

Tracheids paratracheal or terminal in 1-3 layers at the ends of growth rings; triangu-lar, rectangular, or polygonal in outline, about 14µm in diameter; thick-walled, about 4µm thick; pits circular with slit-like steeply oblique apertures, about 7 µm in dia-meter. Spiral thickenings distinct.

Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of the wood; polygonal or slightly rounded in outline, 4.5-18 µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 3.5 µm); pits sparse, border very small and circular, with slit-like steeply oblique apertures. Spiral thickenings not observed.

Wood parenchyma cells very few in number; each cell mostly 102-130 µm long.

Rays heterogeneous, uniseriate or 2-3 cells and 14-46 µm wide. Uniseriate rays com-posed of upright cells and square to procumbent ones, 1-9 cells and 65-445 µm high. Multiseriate rays composed of procumbent and upright cells, 111-870 µm high; uni-seriate wings 27-140(-464) µm high. Ray-vessel pits almost simple with quite narrow borders, sometimes unilaterally compound, 7-9 µm in radial diameter; in procumbent cells, sometimes half-bordered with horizontal apertures. Crystals abundant in both procumbent and upright cells; long or short rectangle in shape, or like a pair of feathers of an arrow; 4.5-16 µm long.

Ligustrum confusum Decne. [Plate 91]

An evergreen small tree growing in the temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8340108, d=25 cm, h=6 m, alt. 2280 m: Dhaulagiri Zone, Parbat Dist., Ghandruk (1950m)-Ghandruk Deorali (2530m), H. Ohba et al., July 10, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by radially flatten tracheids and smaller pores in the late wood, sometimes obscured by false annual rings; 0.4-2.9 mm wide. Pores rather numerous, especially in narrow growth rings; evenly distributed, 91-386/mm2; solitary or 2-4(-5) in multiple; angular or rounded in outline; 14-88 (average 44) and 14-70 (average 35) µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thin-walled. Pith flecks not observed.

Vessel elements 167-483 µm long; end walls oblique; perforation plates exclusively simple. Intervascular pits alternate, moderately spaced; circular with nearly horizontal small apertures, about 10µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings distinct. Tyloses not observed.

Tracheids paratracheal or terminal in 1-3 layers at the ends of growth rings; tri-angular, rectangular, or polygonal in outline, about 14 µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 3.5µm); pits circular with slit-like steeply oblique apertures, about 7µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings distinct.

Wood fibers constitute the ground mass of the wood; polygonal or slightly rounded in outline, 4.5-20µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 3.5 µm); pits small, sparse, with slit-like steeply oblique apertures. Spiral thickenings not observed.

Wood parenchyma cells very few in number.

Rays heterogeneous, uniseriate or 2-3 cells and 14-32 µm wide. Uniseriate rays com-posed of upright cells and square to procumbent cells, 1-7 cells and 37-334 µm high. Multiseriate rays composed of procumbent cells and upright cells, 102-780 µm high; uniseriate wings 28-93 (-325) µm high. Ray-vessel pits almost simple with quite narrow borders, sometimes unilaterally compound, 7-9 µm in radial diameter; in procumbent cells, sometimes half-bordered with horizontal apertures. Crystals abundant in both procumbent and upright cells; long or short rectangle in shape, or like a pair of feathers of an arrow; 4.5-16µm long.

Ligustrum indicum (Lour.) Merrill [Plate 92]

A small evergreen tree growing in the temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540123*, d=20 cm, h=5 m, alt. 1850m: Bagmati Zone, Kutumsang (2450 m)-Gul Bhanjyang (3410m)-Pati Bhanjyang (1780m), M. Suzuki & S. Noshiro, June 4, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by radially flattened tracheids and smaller pores in the late wood, sometimes obscured by false annual rings; 0.45-1.5 mm wide. Pores rather numerous; evenly distributed, 143-229/mm2; solitary or 2-5 mostly in multiple; angular in outline; 19-74 (average 48) and 14-60 (average 42) µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thin-walled. Pith flecks present.

Vessel elements 170-530 µm long; end walls oblique; perforation plates exclusively simple. Intervascular pits alternate, moderately spaced; circular with oblique small apertures, about 10 µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings distinct. Tyloses not observed.

Tracheids paratracheal or terminal in 1-3 layers at the ends of growth rings; tri-angular, rectangular, or polygonal in outline, about 9-14µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 3.5 µm); pits circular with slit-like steeply oblique apertures, about 7µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings distinct.

Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of the wood; polygonal or slightly rounded in outline, 9-23 µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 3.5µm); pits sparse, border very small and circular, with slit-like steeply oblique apertures. Spiral thickenings not observed.

Wood parenchyma cells few in number; each cell mostly 102-186 µm long.

Rays heterogeneous, uniseriate or 2-3(-4) cells and 14-51 µm wide. Uniseriate rays composed of upright cells and square to procumbent cells, 1-10 cells and 37-475 µm high. Multiseriate rays composed of procumbent and upright cells, 160-1460 µm high; uniseriate wings 65-550 µm high. Ray-vessel pits almost simple with quite narrow borders, 7-9 µm in radial diameter; in procumbent cells, sometimes half-bordered with horizontal apertures. Crystals abundant in both procumbent and upright cells; variable in shape; long or short rectangular, rhomboidal, or prismatic, or like an arrowhead; 4.5-19 µm long.

Jasminum humile L. [Plate 93]

An evergreen slender shrub growing in the temperate zone.

SPECIMENS. f. humile-No. 8340138, d=5 cm, h=2m, alt. 2760m: Dhaulagiri Zone, Parbat Dist., Banthanti (2650 m)-Gorepani Deolari (3170 m), H. Ohba et al., July 12, 1983. f. pubigerum (D. Don) Grohmann-No. 8340294*, d=8 cm, h=3 m, alt. 2810 m: Marsyandi Khola, Bardang (2850 m)-Chame (2630m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 5, 1983. No. 8540071, d= 6 cm, h=3 m, alt. 3040 m: Bagmati Zone, Rasuwa Dist., Langtang (3380 m)-Ghora Tabela (3000 m)-Lama Hotel (2480 m), M. Suzuki & S. Noshiro, May 29, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood ring porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by ring porosity; 0.26-1.2 mm wide. Transition from the early to the late wood abrupt. In the early wood, large pores arranged in 1 (-2) layer; mostly solitary, sometimes two in multiples; solitary pores elliptical to oval in outline, a little angular, 55-134 and 37-102 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; wall about 3µm thick. In the late wood, pores abruptly decrease in diameter; numerous and evenly distributed; mostly solitary, or sometimes up to 3 in multiples; down to 10 µm in diameter. Pith flecks present.

Vessel elements 150-550µm long; end walls nearly horizontal in the early wood, oblique in the late wood; perforation plates exclusively simple. Intervascular pits moderately spaced, circular with oblique slit-like apertures; about 5 µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings distinct. Tyloses not observed.

Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of the late wood; 6-18 µm in diameter; pits circular with oblique slit-like apertures, about 4.5 µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 4µm). Spiral thickenings distinct.

Wood parenchyma paratracheal or diffuse; vasicentric in the early wood; each cell 65-240 µm long; inter-parenchyma pits simple, crowded in circles; pits between wood parenchyma cells and vessel elements half-bordered, circular with nearly horizontal apertures.

Rays heterogeneous; 1-2 cells and 14-37 µm wide; composed of procumbent to square cells and upright cells, even in the bodies of multiseriate rays; uniseriate rays 1-15 cells and 28-570 µm high; multiseriate rays 120-910 µm high. Ray-vessel pits half-bordered, small, dense; circular with horizontal to oblique apertures, about 3 µm in diameter; occasionally unilaterally compound. Crystals not observed.

Fraxinus floribunda Wall. [Plate 94]

A large deciduous tree from the upper subtropical to the temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8340406, d=50 cm, h=10 m, alt. 1130 m: Tamba Kosi, Dolakha (1700 m)-Malephu (900 m)-Kosikhet (1000 m)-Pikhuti (950 m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 27, 1983.

DESCRIPTION. Wood semi-ring porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by semiring porosity; 7.4 mm wide. Transition from the early to the late wood gradual. In the early wood, large pores arranged sparsely in one layer along the growth rings; solitary, or sometimes 2-3 in radial multiples; solitary pores circular to elliptical, 121-230 and 84-176 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thick-walled (about 4.5 µm). In the late wood, rather large pores at the beginning, solitary or 2-4 mostly in radial multiples, sometimes up to 6 in clusters; pores gradually decrease in diameter towards the growth ring boundaries, down to 23 µm; in the rest of the late wood, sparse pores solitary or 2-3 in radial multiples, sometimes 6 in clusters; smallest pores near the growth ring boundary rectangular or polygonal in outline, rounded in lumen outline, large pores angular to slightly rounded in outline; thick-walled (about 4.5 µm).

Vessel elements mostly 140-650 µm long; end walls nearly horizontal in the early wood, oblique in the late wood; perforation plates exclusively simple. Intervascular pits very small, alternate, dense; horizontally elliptical with narrow, horizontal, a little elongated apertures; about 3 µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings not observed. Tyloses not observed.

Fiber tracheida constitute the ground mass of the late wood; polygonal and rounded in outline, 7-19µm in diameter; wall 2.5 µm thick; pits very small, circular with oblique slit-like apertures longer than the borders.

Wood parenchyma vasicentric, initial, aliform to confluent up to 8 cells wide, and diffuse; square to polygonal, or rounded in outline, 14-35 µm in diameter. Wood parenchyma in strands mostly of 2-4 cells and 130-460 µm long; each cell 37-195 µm long. Inter-parenchyma pits simple, small, crowded in circles. Pits between wood parenchyma cells and vessel elements very small, dense; circular with small apertures, about 3 µm in diameter.

Rays homogenous; 1-4 (mostly 3 or 4) cells and 28-84 µm wide, uniseriate rays 9.5% of total rays; topmost and lowermost cells tending to be square; uniseriate rays 56-215 µm high; multiseriate raya 140-725 µm high, with. 1-2(-8) cells high uniseriate wings. Ray-vessel pits very small, dense; circular with small apertures, about 3 µm in diameter. Crystals not observed.

Fraxinus micrantha Lingelsh. [Plate 95]

A large deciduous tree growing from the upper subtropical to the temperate zone.

SPECIMBN. No. 8540139*, d=130 cm, h=15 m, alt. 2270m: Janakpur zone, Dolakha Dist., Jiri (1860m)-Bhakal (2020 m)-Ratmate (2270 m)-Maligaon (2200 m)-Shivalaya (1800 m), H. Ohba et al., July 4, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood semi-ring porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by ring porosity; 0.16-2.1 mm wide. Transition from the early to the late wood gradual. In the early wood, sparse large pores arranged in 1(-2) layer along the growth ring boundariess; solitary, or sometimes 2-3 in radial multiples; solitary pores circular to elliptical, 93-240 and 56-185 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; thick-walled (about 4.5 µm). In the late wood, rather large pores at the beginning, solitary or 2-4 mostly in radial multiples, sometimes up to 6 in clusters; pores gradually decrease in diameter towards the growth ring boundaries, down to 28 µm; in the rest of the late wood, sparse pores solitary or 2-3 in radial multiples, sometimes 8 in clusters; smallest pores near the growth ring boundary rectangular or polygonal in outline, rounded in lumen outline, larger pores angular to slightly rounded in outline; thick-walled (about 4.5 µm).

Vessel elements mostly 65-320 µm long; end walls nearly horizontal in the early wood, oblique in the late wood; perforation plates exclusively simple. Intervascular pits very small, alternate, dense; horizontally elliptical with narrow, horizontal, a little elongated apertures; about 3 µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings not observed. Tyloses not observed.

Fiber tracheids constitute the ground mass of the late wood; polygonal and rounded in outline, 7-19 µm in diameter; wall 2.5 µm thick; pits very small, circular with oblique slit-like apertures longer than the borders.

Wood parenchyma vasicentric, initial, aliform to confluent up to 8 cells wide, and diffuse; square to polygonal, or rounded in outline, 14-35 µm in diameter. Wood paren-chyma cells in strands mostly of 2-7 cells and 175-510 µm long; each cell 28-140 µm long. Inter-parenchyma pits simple, small, crowded in circles. Pits between wood parenchyma cells and vessel elements very small, dense; circular with small apertures, about 3 µm in diameter.

Rays homogeneous; 1-9 cells and 9-120 µm wide, uniseriate rays 19.6% of total rays; topmost and lowermost cells tending to be square; uniseriate rays 28-150 µm high; multiseriate rays 65-660 µm high, with 1 (rarely 2) cell high uniseriate wings. Ray-vessel pits very small, dense; circular with small apertures, about 3 µm in diameter. Crystals rather common, rectangular or hexagonal in shape, somewhat elongated, 6-14 µm in diameter.

Osmanthus suavis King [Plate 96]

A small evergreen tree or shrub growing in the temperate zone.

SPECIMEN. No. 8540206*, d=20 cm, h=6 m, alt. 2900 m: Janakpur Zone, Ramechhap Dist., Neju (3651 m)-Choarma (2710 m), H. Ohba et al., Aug. 2, 1985.

DESCRIPTION. Wood diffuse porous. Growth rings distinct, delineated by somewhat large pores and initial parenchyma, often obscured by false growth rings; 0.24-1.36 mm wide. Pores arranged in flame-like pattern throughout growth rings. In the tangential bands of initial parenchyma, pores somewhat larger, in 1-3 layers; flame-like pattern somewhat narrow tangentially. On the outer side of the tangential bands of initial parenchyma, flame-like pattern tangentially wide, up to 800 µm. Flame-like pattern gradually, or sometimes after one expansion, decreases in tangential width, with branchings, fusions, or terminations, sometimes arising in the middle of growth rings. Pores solitary, rarely 2 in multiples; square or polygonal in outline, with papilla-like projections in vessel lumens, 14-55 and 14-42 µm in radial and tangential diameters respectively; wall about 2.5 µm thick.

Vessel elements 160-440 µm long; end walls oblique; perforation plates exclusively simple; intervascular pits dense or moderately spaced, alternate, circular with small oblique apertures, about 7 µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings markedly distinct, thick with papilla-like projections into the vessel lumens. Tyloses not observed.

Tracheids constitute the flame-like pattern with vessels; square to rectangular, or triangular in outline; 7-19 and 7-26 µm in radial and tangential diameter respectively; thick-walled (about 4.5 µm); pits circular with oblique slit-like apertures, about 3.5 µm in diameter. Spiral thickenings distinct.

Wood fibers constitute the ground mass of the wood; polygonal or rounded in outline; about 4.5-21 µm in diameter; thick-walled (about 3.5 µm); pits sparse, with slit-like, steeply oblique apertures.

Wood parenchyma initial in 2-3 (-6) layers, apotracheal in up to 10 or more cell clusters outside the flame-like arrangements of vessels, or occasionally apotracheal banded in 1-2 layers; rectangular or polygonal, usually rounded in outline; 12-26 and 9-26 µm in diameter. Wood parenchyma cells in strands mostly of 2-4 cells and 176-510 µm in vertical length; each cell 46-280 µm in vertical length. Inter-parenchyma pits simple, crowded in circles.

Rays heterogeneous, 1-2(3) cells and 14-60 µm in width. Uniseriate rays composed of upright cells and square cells, 1-10 cell and 46-450 µm high. Multiseriate rays com-posed of procumbent, square and upright cells; 65-740 µm high; uniseriate wings 1-5(-10) cells high, up to 480 µm long. Ray-vessel pits half-bordered, dense, circular with nearly horizontal slit-like apertures, about 3.5 µm in diameter.