Activities and Disciplines

Plant Anatomy

Wood anatomy and conservation

Wood anatomy is used as a systematic tool in the Anatomy of the Dicotyledons, and also in conservation. We are concerned with fuelwood improvement in Africa, as a part of a team funded by the EU and Glaxo.

Work is in progress on the wood structure and potential uses of an extensive range of currently little-researched tropical trees. The main aims are to improve the possibilities of retaining diversity in tropical forests, while helping those who live in them to make a living. In addition, by suggesting sustainable alternative species, pressure can be taken off those that are over-exploited.

Contact: pa.wood@rbgkew.org.uk

Identification of Wood course at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 5-9 February 2007