Phenotypic variants have been reported in Casuarina equisetifolia throughout the distribution range in India on crown shape, branch angle, phylloclad length, size and shape of infructuscence and seed morphology. This correspondence is a report of abnormality in the phylloclad recorded in this species. As a part of the tree improvement programme of the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India, clones identified for high productivity were tested in a sodic region in India. Out of 87 clones tested in replications, one clone revealed an abnormal phylloclad modification at the end of one year. The phylloclad which should have been cylindrical was observed to open out resembling a hand fan. The width at mid region of the modification varied from 2.5 to 7.0 cm with the mid diameter ranging from 1.79 to 3.47 mm, almost 3-6 times the normal measurements. The length of the structure varied from 4.6 to 12.8 cm. There were six such modified phylloclads in the clone. No such observations have been recorded earlier, nor has there been any report in the same field in other clones following this occurrence. The reasons for this abnormality need to be investigated. It could be attributed to physiological stress in the plant. Key words: Casuarina, phylloclad, stress physiology, salt stress, fasciation.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a plant of high genetic variability. The cultivars collected in the Amazon are highly valued for their quality and adaptability to local ecological conditions. Among the products of cassava, the most versatile and valuable is starch. The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize the starches of three cultivars of cassava (Jurará, Santarém SI and Maranhense II cultivars) produced in the state of Pará, aiming at technologically harnessing this crop in that region. The roots and starches were analyzed for physicochemical properties, and the starches were morphologically characterized. In general, the roots of the three cultivars had different compositions (p£0.05). All of the physicochemical parameters of the starches reached the standards set by Brazilian law. According to optical and electron microscopy, the morphology of the granules from the three starches are characteristic of native cassava starches. Key words: Manihot esculenta, microscopy, physicochemical, property.