Anatomical structure and physical properties of the 13 years old solomon-clone teakwood planted in Bogor, Indonesia

Abstract

Anatomical structure, fiber dimension, and several physical properties of the 13 years old solomon-clone teak (Tectona grandis) wood planted in Bogor District, West Java Province, Indonesia have been studied. Macroscopic characteristics were observed directly by handy loupe, while microscopic characteristics were observed through microtome specimens. Fiber morphology was measured through maceration specimens, while physical properties were measured by modification of British Standard 373.1957. Results showed that anatomical structure and fiber length of this solomon-clone teakwood were not significantly different from those of common teakwood. The wood consists of 53% fiber, 29% vessel, 10% axial parenchyma, and 8% ray parenchyma; with 905.44-1199.36 μm fiber length and 2.50-6.72 μm cell wall thickness. Average of wood density and specific gravity was 1.04 g/cm3 and 0.51, respectively. Compared to those of 29 years old conventional teakwood as well as 4 and 5 years old faster grown teakwood planted at the same area, specific gravity of this wood was higher. In general, this solomon-clone teakwood is suitable as raw material for wooden furniture manufacturing. This wood is classified as the Strength Class of III, has decorative figures, wood grain is straight, wood texture is fine and even, lower in volumetric shrinkage, and without crystal or silica.