Wood structure in relation to properties of less important timbers grown in different areas
Wood structure in relation to properties of less important timbers grown in different areas
Ghulam Mustafa Nasir
ABSTRACT
Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Mesquite (Prosopis julitlora) grown in Sindh, Sohanjna (Moringa oleifera) in Bahawalpur, Kabuli Kekar (Acacia nilotica sub sp cupressiformis) in D. I. Khan, Beri Patta (Heterophragma adenophyllum), Alstonia (Alstonia scholaris) and Jacaranda (Jacaranda ovalifolia) grown in Peshawar were studied for their basic wood structure to evaluate their wood properties. Cross, radial and tangential sections of each wood were prepared and observed under the microscope for various structural features and data were collected for the frequency and dimensional measurements of different wood elements and wood rays. Results showed that the wood of Neem, Mesquite, Kabuli Keker and Beri Patta may be stronger or better, Alstonia and Jacaranda medium and that of Sohanjna weak in strength on the basis of fiber morphological characteristics. The wood of all the studied species may be somewhat non-durable because of higher frequency or larger size of wood rays and need chemical treatment before utilization. However, Neem, wood may not require preservation due to its chemical composition. Preservative treatment and seasoning of wood of all the studied species (except Sohanjna) may be slow or somewhat difficult due to medium sized or smaller vessels. In Sohanjna the vessels are very large in diameter and the wood may be easily seasoned and treated with preservative. Furthermore, based on the Runkel ratio, Kabuli keker, Alstonia, Jacaranda, Sohanjna and Mesquite wood may also be used as raw material for pulp and paper manufacture, whereas, Neem and Beri Patta may not be suitable.
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March 2008
Vol. 58, Iss. 1
