Changes in biometric, density, and microscopic features of Parrotia persica trees in longitudinal and radial directions of the stem

Abstract

The biometric, density, and microscopic features of Parrotia persica species were investigated in this work. Three completely healthy P. persica trees were randomly felled. Three discs of 5 cm thickness were cut at three height levels (at breast height, 3 m, and 4.5 m) of each stem. The test specimens were sequentially taken from pith to bark. The biometric characteristics of the fiber and their density were analyzed. The microscopic features were studied according to the IAWA List of Hardwoods. It was found that all biometric factors of P. persica were decreased with increasing tree height from base to top. In contrast, these factors were also increased with the increase of distance from the pith toward the bark. Oven-dry density and basic density were decreased with an increase in the height along the tree stem. However, in the transverse direction, oven-dry density and basic density were increased from pith to bark. The anatomical study indicated that P. persica is a diffuse-porous hardwood that has distinct growth ring boundaries, heterogeneous rays, scalariform perforation, and alternative intervessel pits.