Anatomical Properties and Utilization of 3-, 5-, and 7-yr-old Falcata [Falcataria moluccana (Miq.)] Barneby & J. W. Grimes] from Caraga Region, Mindanao Philippines

Abstract

The anatomical properties – namely, fiber length, fiber diameter, lumen diameter, cell wall thickness, vessel length, and width – of young (3-, 5-, and 7-yr-old) Falcataria molucanna (Miq.) Barneby & J. W. Grimes from Caraga Region, Philippines were evaluated to determine the variations among ages between and among trees, tree height, and their derived values as well, henceforth as a basis in recommending the potential of the species for various enduses. Three trees per age of known seed origin were collected and used as materials. FPRDI standard procedures for determining anatomical properties were followed. Data were analyzed using three-factorial in complete randomized design (CRD) and Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test was used to determine significant differences among treatment means. Except for cell wall thickness, the variations in anatomical properties among age and tree were highly significant but not significant among height levels. Fiber diameter and lumen diameter increased as the trees aged. The cell wall was very thin with mean values of 0.0033 mm (3-yr-old), 0.0032 mm (5-yr-old), and 0.0031 mm (7-yr-old). Vessel length and width decreased from 3- to 5-yr-old and increased at 7-yr-old. Fiber length’s mean values increased from near pith (NP), middle (M), to near bark (NB) at all three ages and height levels except in the 3-yr middle (1.1665, 1.2032, and 1.1541 mm) and 7-yr butt (1.1541, 1.2326, and 1.2009 mm). Other anatomical properties at three ages showed no consistent trend of variations from NP to NB. The potential uses of younger falcata based on their anatomical properties were for pulp and paper, veneer, and light construction applications where strength and durability are not important.