Abstract

Charles, Antwi-Boasiako1 and Sitsofe, Apreko-Pilly2

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 tearresistant 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.