Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of macerated vessels of 23 mixed tropical hardwood (MTH) species: a data collection for the identification of wood species in pulp and paper

Abstract

Abstract The identification of wood species in paper products is highly important for the enforcement of the newly established timber regulations regarding the control of illegal logging. In the context of European Timber Regulation (EUTR), in the present paper a database has been established containing reference samples and anatomical descriptions for the identification of 23 tropical timbers from Southeast Asia in pulp and paper products. The vessel elements and fibers of these mixed tropical hardwoods (MTH) were characterized by light microscopy. The woods in focus were macerated, embedded and compared visually and statistically. The collected microscopic data and images are helpful for the identification of the wood species used for paper production.