Anatomical properties of branches and twigs mangrove woods

Abstract

In order to optimize the utilization of mangrove woods, particularly branches and twigs parts, this research was conducted to investigate anatomical properties of three species of mangrove woods, namely api-api (Avicennia marina), bakau minyak (Rhizopora apiculata), and berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris). The properties were comprised of both microtome sections and macerations dimensions. Procedure for microtome followed Sass method, resulted in three sections for each part, namely cross-section (L/longitudinal), radial/R section, and tangential/T section. Technical procedure for maceration based on Forest Product Laboratory (FPL) method, resulted in measurement of fiber dimension and derivative of fiber dimension. In term of microtome, the anatomical features between branches and twigs for each species in L, R, T sections are similar, but their quantitative anatomical observations between twigs and branches have differences in the vessel, rays and fiber parameters statistically. In term of fiber dimension and its derivatives (Runkel Ratio, Felting Power, Mulhstep Ratio, Coefficient Rigidity, Flexibility Ratio) both branches and twigs showed same quality class, namely 3rd class with scored 150-175 points.