XVI International Botanical Congess

The structure of wood, bark, pith, and leaves taken from young branches in 12 species belonging to ten genera of Taxodiaceae Neger. was studied. Taxonomic significance of more than 60 anatomical characters, as well as some environmental influences on their variation were recognized. The shape of pith branches, and the ratios between bark width, wood width, and pith radius of two-years-old branches are of the most important taxonomic value. The identification key for the species examined was created on the basis of anatomical data. Species of Athrotaxis are especially well-distinguished by their stem and leaf structure.