Abstract
Aim of study: To identify species of wood samples based on common names and anatomical analyses of their transversal surfaces (without microscopic preparations).Area of study: Spain and South America.Material and Methods: The test was carried out on a batch of 15 lumber samples deposited in the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid, from the expedition by Ruiz and Pavón (1777-1811). The first stage of the methodology is to search and to make a critical analysis of the databases which list common nomenclature along with scientific nomenclature. A geographic filter was then applied to the information resulting from the samples with a more restricted distribution. Finally an anatomical verification was carried out with a pocket microscope with a magnification of x40, equipped with a 50 micrometers resolution scale.Main results: The identification of the wood based exclusively on the common name is not useful due to the high number of alternative possibilities (14 for “naranjo”, 10 for “ébano”, etc.). The common name of one of the samples (“huachapelí mulato”) enabled the geographic origin of the samples to be accurately located to the shipyard area in Guayaquil (Ecuador). Given that Ruiz y Pavón did not travel to Ecuador, the specimens must have been obtained by Tafalla. It was possible to determine correctly 67% of the lumber samples from the batch. In 17% of the cases the methodology did not provide a reliable identification.Research highlights: It was possible to determine correctly 67% of the lumber samples from the batch and their geographic provenance. The identification of the wood based exclusively on the common name is not useful.Key words: historic wood; Ruiz and Pavon’s expedition; wood anatomy; wood identification; wood nomenclature.
Highlights
In 1777 a botanical expedition headed by Ruiz and Pavon set out for the viceroyalty of Peru
Over a period of 34 years a variety of plant material was sent back to Spain, among which are various batches of small wooden planks. These planks are currently deposited at the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid (RBGM), along with samples from other expeditions
Wood identification based on their common name and their transversal surface anatomy 153 anatomical observation of the transversal surface
Summary
In 1777 a botanical expedition headed by Ruiz and Pavon set out for the viceroyalty of Peru. Over a period of 34 years a variety of plant material was sent back to Spain, among which are various batches of small wooden planks These planks are currently deposited at the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid (RBGM), along with samples from other expeditions. The traditional procedure for identifying wood consists of preparing samples for observation under a microscope. It is a complex task to identify lumbers whose source is unknown The advantage of this traditional method is that it generates reliable results (with the drawback of high economic costs). Wood identification based on their common name and their transversal surface anatomy 153 anatomical observation of the transversal surface The advantages of this method are its lower costs and its speed. The method must be assessed to determine whether the appearance of errors detracts from the utility of this process
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
