A preliminary account is given of the parenchyma-like tangential bands, as seen on the transverse surface of Miconia species. The bands consist of parenchyma strands, fusiform parenchyma cells and fibres. These fibres differ from the fibres of the ground tissue in wall thickness, lumen diameter and sometimes in pit size. In the bands intermediate forms between parenchyma cells and fibres occur. The functional relationship between the elements forming the parenchyma-like bands is discussed. The systematic value of this phenomenon is still uncertain. In other genera of the Melastomataceae, however, as well as in other families of the Myrtales it has also been observed.