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Background and aims: The excellent physical and chemical properties of Abacá and Japan papers make them one of the most used materials in restoration of cultural assets on paper. The objective of this work is to characterize the fibers that compose them and identify plant genera or species that were used in their manufacture. M&M: Fibers from samples of each paper and previously collected reference plant material were disintegrated. The diagnostic characters of the fibers were observed with a photomicroscope and photomicrographs were taken. Subsequently, the homologous characters were compared by relating the Abacá paper fiber samples with those of Musa sp. and the Japan paper samples with Broussonetia sp. and Euonymus sp. Results: There were coincidences between the diagnostic characters of the paper fibers of Abacá and Musa sp. Regarding the Japan paper samples, there were results consistent with Broussonetia sp. but not with Euonymus sp. Conclusions: According to the results observed between the Abacá paper fibers and the samples of the collected living material, we infer that the Abacá paper contains fibers of Musa sp. In the Japan paper samples, the similarities observed between the diagnostic characters of the fibers with respect to the reference plant samples indicate the presence of Broussonetia sp. fibers. There is no evidence of fibers of Euonymus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the wood anatomical description of 12 species characteristics from cloud forest in the State of México was carried out. For each species the qualitative and quantitative microscopic characters of wood are described. On the basis of the Runkel relationship, the quality of their fibers is classified to obtain pulp for paper. The morphological characteristics of each species are given, as well as their common names and national distribution. Eight species have growth rings formed by bands of fibers with lumens reduced and thick walls, or compressed radially, in the late wood. The porosity is diffuse; the vessels are small, with less than 100 µm diameter, and numerous. Several species presented vessel elements with scalariform perforation plates Vessel elements and fibers were medium and long. In general the axial parenchyma is scarce and in seven species the rays are heterogeneous type I. These results are similar to those obtained in other regions. According to the relationship of Runkel it was found out that the fibers are of medium to good quality for paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]