The Effects of Radial Growth Rate on Wood Properties and Anatomical Characteristics and an Evaluation of the Xylem Maturation Process in a Tropical Fast-Growing Tree Species, Gmelina arborea

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of radial growth on wood properties and anatomical characteristics and to clarify the xylem maturation process in Gmelina arborea . Stem diameter, tree height, and stress-wave velocity were investigated for 54 5-year-old G. arborea trees planted in Indonesia. In addition, radial variations of wood properties (basic density and compressive strength parallel to the grain in green condition) and anatomical characteristics (fiber and vessel morphologies) were investigated for nine trees selected from three different radial growth categories (fast, medium, and slow growing). Stem diameter was positively significantly correlated with stress-wave velocity and compressive strength parallel to the grain in green condition. In addition, compressive strength and anatomical characteristics, except for wood fiber diameter, differed significantly among the radial growth categories. Radial variations of the wood properties and anatomical characteristics gradually increased, and then they showed constant values toward the bark. It is thought that the xylem maturation of G. arborea begins at approximately 5 cm from the pith. In addition, in a fast-growing tree species, such as G. arborea , the trees with faster stem diameter do not always form wood with low strength properties.