ISSN 2375-0979
African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 4 (8), pp. 254-273, August, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Tissue dimensions and proportions of the stem and branch woods of Aningeria Robusta (A. Chev) and Terminalia Ivorensis (A. Chev)
Charles, Antwi-Boasiako1 and Sitsofe, Apreko-Pilly2
Department of Wood Science and Technology, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana.
Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]; +233(0)261663740
Received 20 April, 2016; Revised 03 June, 2016; Accepted 05 June, 2016 and Published 30 August, 2016
Abstract
To enhance wood economic value and effective utilization, knowledge of its properties, which impact its service behaviour, is indispensable. Fibre and vessel dimensions and tissue proportions of Aningeria robusta and Terminalia ivorensis stem wood and branch wood were compared. Stem wood recorded wider vessel lumen diameter, greater fibre and vessel proportions with less parenchyma than the branch wood. Fibre length, diameter, lumen diameter and double wall thickness were greater forT. ivorensis stem wood (1296.7-1508.6, 19.8-23.4, 13.3-17.3 and 6.0-6.5µm respectively) than branch wood (1046.0-1116.5, 19.2-21.2, 13.1-15.2 and 5.7-6.3µm respectively). Similarly, A. robusta stem wood recorded greater values (1182.9-1302.3, 22.9-23.9, 15.3-18.6 and 6.2-7.6µm respectively) than branch wood (995.1-1145.3, 20.1-22.42, 15.1-17 and 4.9-5.6µm respectively). Fibre proportions decreased up their stems (51.5-42.5%) and branches (51.2-40.0%). Their sapwood and heartwood vessel and parenchyma proportions were greater at bases than crowns. Vessel lumen diameters increased with stem height but decreased along branches. Consequently, their stem woods would have superior load-bearing capacity, be coarse-textured and produce great tear-resistant papers. Branch woods would have great density, be close-textured and suitable for product finishing and bulky paper production. Knowledge about branch wood properties would ensure proper understanding of their service performance and utilization. This would supplement their wood volumes and broadening the raw material base for the timber industry.
Key words: Axial stem position, anatomical feature, branch wood, fibre length, parenchyma cell, tissue proportion, vessel lumen diameter, fibre wall thickness, wood macerate.