Abstract
ABSTRACT We investigated the axial variation of specific gravity, shear parallel to the grain and anatomical features of Astronium graveolens wood and related these properties to the anatomy along the stem. We felled five 20-year-old trees and cut discs from four different stem heights, including stem base, 1 meter, 2 meters and 3 meters, for a total of 20 discs, and studied wood samples near the bark and at the base of trunk. Axial variations found appear to provide a balance between mechanical strength of the wood at stem base by the higher density and higher shear by the increase in ray frequency that contributes to locking the vertical cells and growth rings, thus preventing the stem from easily breaking when bent. For hydraulic conductivity, vessels with smaller diameter and frequency at the stem base help prevent the occurrence of embolisms that would reduce water flow along the main stem.
Highlights
Astronium graveolens Jacq. - Anarcadiaceae, a native, but not endemic, species of Brazil, is distributed in all regions of the country, occurring in four southeastern states
Studies on the population dynamics of A. graveolens show that terrain slope influences the spatial distribution of trees (Pavanelli et al, 2011)
To expand the study of Santos et al (2011), we examine here the axial variation of some properties and anatomy in the same plants to determine the axial variation of specific gravity, shear parallel to the grain and anatomical features of Astronium graveolens wood and relate these properties to the anatomy along the stem
Summary
Astronium graveolens Jacq. - Anarcadiaceae (guaritá), a native, but not endemic, species of Brazil, is distributed in all regions of the country, occurring in four southeastern states. - Anarcadiaceae (guaritá), a native, but not endemic, species of Brazil, is distributed in all regions of the country, occurring in four southeastern states. Studies on the population dynamics of A. graveolens show that terrain slope influences the spatial distribution of trees (Pavanelli et al, 2011). Studies on the seedlings distribution have shown that new trees could not be established within a radius of 20 m from the mother plant (Durigan, 1992). Hernández et al (2013) characterized the chemical constituents of A. graveolens and showed that the essential oil of its aerial parts exhibits strong antibacterial activity. Associated with the wood use, the authors suggested that the removal of oils from the leaves could add value to the timber industry
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