Comparison of the wood anatomy and fibers derived from Indonesian Toona sinensis Roem. and Toona sureni Merr

Abstract

In terms of their anatomy, there is confusion in differentiating between Toona sinensis (Juss.) Roem. and Toona sureni (Blume) Merr. In order to validate the identification of both species, reconfirmation of the primary character differences is required. The objectives of this study are the reconfirmation of the anatomical properties to confirm their differences and the evaluation of the fiber morphology in terms of pulp and paper raw material quality. The results show that there were differences in the gross physical features of the bark and the color of the wood. The wood color of T. sinensis is red-brown and darker, while T. sureni is white-yellow, leading to the nomenclature red and white surian, respectively. An anatomical view of T. sinensis shows that the annual growth ring has indistinct boundaries as a primary distinguishing anatomical feature, while T. sureni shows that the annual growth ring boundaries are distinct. The annual growth ring allows the establishment of intra-annual past and present structure-function relationships as well as its sensitivity to environmental variability. Based on the results, both species have different anatomical properties, and both species are suitable to be used as a raw material for pulp and paper production.