Wavy grain in sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) — a structural analysis of xylem and phloem

Abstract

Summary Wavy grain (fiddle back) in trees has attracted the interest of both science and industry due to its aesthetic and economic importance. As the underlying causes of this particular structural feature in trees remain uncertain, this study investigates the possibility of non-invasively detecting wavy grain patterns within tree bark tissue of sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). Wavy grain, characterized by alternating light and dark stripes on the wood surface, is highly valued in the production of musical instruments. This research explores the potential of employing transmission light microscopy and microcomputer tomography (μCT) to examine the internal structure of phloem tissue to inspect whether the wavy grain structure found in the xylem continues in the bark. The investigation of phloem tissue proved challenging due to its irregular cellular arrangement. Nonetheless, slight phloem fibre deviations were observed in individual trees. However, no definite connection was found between the periodic oscillations of the xylem fibre tissue and the structure of the phloem in a given area. Variability in wavy grain expression among the xylem of the trees posed an additional challenge, with amplitudes and wavelengths differing across specimens. The application of μCT offered advantages over traditional sample preparation, enabling the study of the anatomical structure across larger areas and multiple depths without altering the specimen. This study sheds light on the potential of employing advanced imaging techniques to detect wavy grain patterns, providing insights that could benefit industries reliant on high-quality wood, such as musical instrument crafting and forestry.