Abstract: Fibre length and vessel element length were measured and analyzed in 13 psammophytes grown in arid sandy region, and the horizontal variations of them showed decreasing, increasing, considerable fluctuations or constant tendency with age. Fibre length is less than 900 μm which included in short range according to IAWA Committee. There was significant difference in both fibre length and vessel element length among-tree and within-tree except A. mongolicus. From the quantitative study of anatomical characteristics, the secondary xylem cells have high adaptability to desert. Vessels solitary or grouped in multiples with small diameter, very short elements and minute pits are in respond to demands for greater water transport capacity and the above appearances in the xylem of arid zone species are interpreted as a strategy for conductive safety.

Key words: dryland, psammophytes, adaptability, horizontal variation, fibre length