Astronium Lecointei Research Articles

Carbonization temperature at 400°C and the behavior in the visual degradation of 15 wood species

Wood is an anisotropic material and its exposure to carbonization leads to reduced humidity and increased deformation due to the loss of its aesthetic and functional profile. Moisture may be an explanatory factor for the damage caused to the surface region of the coal. For this work, they were defined according to a basic density gradient, that is, involving species of low, medium and high densities, native and exotic, hardwood and conifers, as well as commercial and non-commercial uses. Among the species selected were: (Qualea sp.) Mandioqueira, (Aspidosperma sp.) Peroba, (Erisma uncinatum) Cedrinho, (Pinus elliotii) Pinus, (Eucalyptus.sp) Eucalipto, (Araucaria angustifolia) Pinheiro do Paraná, (Couratari sp.) Tauari, (Dipteryx sp.) Cumaru, (Tabebuia sp.) Ipê, (Peltogyne sp.) Roxinho, (Apuleia leiocarpa) Garapeira, (Goupia glabra) Cupiúba, (Astronium lecointei) Muiracatiara, (Hevea brasiliensis) Seringueira and (Schizolobium parahyba) Guapuruvu. At temperatures of 400 ºC, damage occurred in all species, with the influence of the temperature applied on the degradation suffered in the samples studied. The images produced can contribute to the understanding of charcoal as a material in its various temperature passages and thermal processes, in addition to analyzing the anatomy of charred samples, using the terms: ruptures and fissures as damage to charred wood as parameters.

Experimental characterization of density, defects and drying kinetic of three amazonian wood species: Astronium lecointei, Dinizia excelsa, and Hymenolobium heterocarpum

Drying is an indispensable process for the industrial use of wood because it results in greater stability, durability, quality, and value of the final product. However, pre-established programs for tropical species have been poorly evaluated. The objective of this study was to formulate and evaluate drying programs for tropical species. The woods of Astronium lecointei (muiracatiara), Dinizia excelsa (faveira-ferro) and Hymenolobium heterocarpum (angelim-pedra) were used. The anatomical characteristics and physical properties of these species were evaluated. The drying programs for each wood were elaborated based on the drying potential to estimate the initial and final temperatures. The programs were executed in a laboratory oven with forced air circulation and afterward, the drying rates and defects were evaluated. The highest values of basic density were observed for faveira-ferro (0.92 g cm-³) followed by muiracatiara (0.70 g cm-³), and angelim-pedra (0.59 g cm-³). As for the volumetric shrinkage, the values were increased in the following order: angelim-pedra (9.87%), faveira-ferro (12.70%), and muiracatiara (14.23%). The anisotropy coefficient of the three wood evaluated was less than 1.5. The density and vessel diameter influenced the drying rate of the woods. The application of the drying programs in this work resulted in a high rate of top and surface cracking, which can compromise the use of wood for more demanding purposes. The woods were classified as first-class because the warping did not exceed the allowed limits.

Factors Influencing Directional Tree Felling in the Tapajós National Forest, Amazon, Brazil

Given its complexity, directional felling is considered one of the most dangerous activities in the exploratory phase of forest management projects for timber obtention. Therefore, detailed studies of the variables influencing its execution are necessary. The present research was conducted in the Tapajós National Forest, Brazilian Amazon, and analyzed 1,075 trees logged using the directional felling technique in a 504.30 ha area. To better understand directional felling, the studied variables were subjected to descriptive analyses and principal component analysis, a multivariate procedure that enables the simultaneous evaluation of several variables. While the diameter, basal area, and stem and branch volume explained most of the variability concerning directional felling, the commercial height influenced the least. Trees of the species Hymenolobium petraeum (angelim pedra) strongly correlated with the dendrometric variables diameter and stem and branch volume. Those of the species Hymenaea courbaril (jatobá) showed a strong correlation with the commercial height. Pseudopiptadenia psilostachya (fava timborana), Dipteryx odorata (cumaru), Hymenaea parvifolia (jutai mirim), and Astronium lecointei (muiracatiara) had a strong correlation with the basic wood density. Trees of the species Couratari guianensis (tauari), Lecythis pisonis (sapucaia), Astronium lecointei (muiracatiara), Mezilaurus itauba (itaúba), and Goupia glabra (cupiúba) showed lower correlations with the time needed for planning, cutting, and felling. They also had a reduced correlation with the angular differences between the natural and effective and the intended and effective felling directions. The latter results suggest that these species do not follow a defined pattern concerning the directional felling technique. However, trees of the other species followed a different tendency. In general, the logged trees lacked correlation with the directional felling cutting and total operation time. The analyses suggest that as the diameter of a tree increases, the chances of completing its directional felling decrease.

Bark of Astronium lecointei Ducke trees from the Amazon: chemical and structural characterization

The bark of the Astronium lecointei Ducke tree, a species native to the Brazilian Amazon, was characterized in relation to anatomical and chemical features. The chemical composition was studied for the first time. The bark of A. lecointei has a periderm with thick phellem layer and the phloem has abundant sieve tube members and a conspicuous presence of sclerified nodules of sclereids. The mean chemical composition of A. lecointei bark was 5.8% ash, 12.9% total extractives that were principally polar compounds soluble in water and ethanol, 32.7% lignin, 1.8% suberin, and 46.9% polysaccharides. The ethanol and water extracts contained phenolics compounds (77.1 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract), flavonoids (58.7 mg catechin equivalents/g extract) and tannins (7.3 mg catechin/g extract) and showed moderate antioxidant capacity. Extractives were present preferentially in the finest fraction with enrichment in the water-soluble portion. The main phenolic constituents found in the bark extract are chlorogenic acid (49.1%), gallic acid (46.8%), o-coumaric acid (2.7%) and trans-cinnamic acid (1.4%). The bark showed high calcium concentration (267 mg/g) and had 103 mg/g nitrogen and 46 mg/g potassium. Based on the potential use of polar extractives, polysaccharides and lignin, bark from A. lecointei is suggested as a valuable resource of raw material for production of high-value products.

Experimental investigation on variability in properties of Amazonian wood species Muiracatiara (Astronium lecointei) and Maçaranduba (Manilkara huberi) focusing guitar fingerboards manufacturing

In face of scarcity in the supply of non-traditional Brazilian woods properly treated for use in high quality musical instruments, pieces of Amazonian wood species muiracatiara (Astronium lecointei) and maçaranduba (Manilkara huberi) purchased in the common internal Brazilian timber market were examined. These species were pre-selected for use in fingerboards of acoustic and electric guitars due to similar properties with ebony (Diospyros crassiflora). Variabilities of elastic modulus parallel to grain and density were investigated inside wooden pieces. In addition, referred parameters were used in calculation of speed of sound. Statistical tests were performed in order to compare both species and revealed inequality for variances of dynamic elastic modulus (Ed) and speed of sound, but equality for density. Equality of means was also examined via unequal variance t-test. Despite color differences, lower variability of M. huberi led to the indication of this species as likely capable to substitute satisfactorily ebony in fingerboards manufacturing.

Pattern and spatial associations of commercial trees in the Amazon

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to establish the pattern and the spatial associations of the Amazon commercial tree groups. In a region extending across 2,000 ha in the Tapajós National Forest (FNT), Pará, a forest census was conducted. The census included commercial trees of perimeter at breast height (PBH), equal to or greater than 158 cm and the Cartesian coordinates of their bearings. Using Ripley’s K function, the spatial pattern was discerned, with 5 m radius being assumed, and maximum distances varying up to 1,500 m. Then, with 99.8% probability for both, 500 Monte Carlo simulations were performed for the univariate K function, and 500 toroidal simulations were done for the bivariate function.The commercial tree groups, which revealed an aggregated spatial pattern in a minimum of approximately 50% of the analysis distance were namely, Astronium lecointei, Bagassa guianensis, Couratari guianensis, Manilkara huberi, Mezilaurus itauba, and Vochysia maxima. In Brazil, the commercial tree groups, based on the commercialization criteria for tropical trees show random and aggregated spatial patterns with associations of spatial independence.

QUALITY OF TROPICAL HARDWOOD FLOORS

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the basic density of the wood and to simulate the performance of flooring produced with wood from five tropical species: Dipteryx odorata (Cumaru), Handroanthus spp. (Ipê), Hymenaea Courbaril (Jatobá), Astronium Lecointei (Muiracatiara), and Bowdichia virgilioides (Sucupira-Preta). Falling steel sphere, static and dynamic friction, indentation caused by loads applied in small areas, rolling load, and abrasiveness impact tests were simulated. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test at 5% significance, and Pearson’s correlation was performed between the basic density and the indexes of each flooring. The basic density of the wood flooring made from the evaluated species ranged from 0.735 to 0.958 g.cm-3. D. odorata, Handroanthus spp. and H. courbaril woods were classified as heavy, while those of A. Lecointei and B. Virgilioides as moderately heavy. It was possible to indicate D. odorata, Handroanthus spp., H. courbaril, and B. Virgilioides flooring for environments with intense traffic where there is dragging or falling objects such as industries and companies. The A. Lecointei flooring can be used in residential environments with light traffic, where the loads exerted are low. There was a correlation between the basic wood density and the flooring use simulation tests.

Manejo de florestas naturais degradadas na Amazônia: estudo de caso sobre critérios de colheita

Este trabalho trata de uma experiência inovadora em relação a critérios para colheita de árvores em floresta natural degradada na Amazônia. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em 535,6 ha de floresta na Fazenda Shet, em Dom Eliseu - PA, usando a base de dados do censo florestal referente a árvores com DAP ≥ 25 cm. Os critérios para colheita das árvores consideraram, prioritariamente, os seguintes elementos: grau de sanidade, qualidade do fuste (2 e 3), diâmetro máximo a permanecer na floresta (DAP < 100 cm), árvores de menor diâmetro (25 ≥ DAP ≤ 55 cm), espécies com maior densidade de árvores por unidade de área, distribuição diamétrica, segundo o coeficiente de Liocourt, manutenção das espécies intensamente exploradas no passado e com população de árvores ≤ 0,15 arv.ha-1. Foram inventariadas 46.012 árvores, pertencentes a 106 espécies, e planejadas para colheita 23,19% (10.671 árvores), aos 12 anos após a exploração anterior. Baseando-se no planejamento da colheita e seguindo os critérios, a previsão de colheita em relação à população total inventariada teve como resultado: 2,16% árvores pelo critério de sanidade; 15,45% pela forma de fuste; 0,26% pelo diâmetro máximo; 93,93% pelo menor diâmetro; 57,50% pela densidade arbórea; e 5,04% pela manutenção das espécies. A colheita foi realizada em 98,79% das árvores com sanidade comprometida; 22,20% com fuste 2 e 3; 97,39% com diâmetro máximo; 95,02% com menor diâmetro; e 90,30% com maior densidade arbórea. Foram mantidas 98,14% das espécies Astronium lecointei, Cordia goeldiana, Copaifera sp., Hymenaea courbaril, Hymenolobium petraeum, Handroanthus serratifolius e Manilkara elata, intensivamente exploradas no passado, e 98,70% de outras 53 espécies com menor abundância (≤ 0,15 arv.ha-1). O planejamento da exploração seguindo os critérios de colheita propostos possibilitou a extração de árvores em ciclos de 10 a 12 anos, sendo um tempo menor que o previsto pela legislação. A manutenção da diversidade de espécies arbóreas e a conservação da floresta em pé, previstas com esses critérios técnicos, podem ser alternativas para o manejo florestal ecológica e economicamente viável.

Physical and Mechanical Characterization of Astronium Lecointei and Manilkara Huberi Branch Wood

Abstract Forest harvest residues are usable; however, studies on their quality are incipient. Thus, our study sought to perform physico-mechanical characterization of wood from the branches of Astronium lecointei and Manilkara huberi, as well as to compare its properties with trunk material found in the literature. The material was collected in the Tapajos National Forest (Flona - Tapajos) and cut for the trials performed at the Universidade Federal do Oeste do Para (Ufopa). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis and the averages were compared with values found in the literature for the trunk of the studied species and other commercial wood of the region. The physical properties of Astronium lecointei and Manilkara huberi showed approximate averages to those of trunk, while the mechanical properties presented lower averages. Therefore, regarding the mechanical properties, the residues may be substituents for the trunks of other species for having similar properties.

CONICITY AND YIELD FOR LUMBER FROM COMMERCIAL SPECIES FROM THE AMAZON

ABSTRACT Stem conicity and the sawing pattern, besides the presence of hollows and sapwood, are among the principal factors that are responsible for the low yield of lumber from harvested wood in the Amazon. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze of logs and stem conicity, and its effect on yield of sawn wood from the species Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos, Lecythis lurida (Miers) S. A. Mori, Manilkara huberi (Ducke) Chevalier, Astronium lecointei Ducke and Couratari sp., which are currently the most important commercial species in the study area. The data used were obtained from six production units in the Tapajos National Forest, Para. The variables analyzed were conicity (obtained as a function of the difference between diameters at the base and top) between logs, DBH classes (diameter at breast height) and species, as well as yield (estimated using the Software MaxiTora) between logs and species. The majority of the species showed differences in conicity between logs, with the first log being the most conic, which was directly reflected by the lower yield for this log. There was a tendency of increase in conicity in the larger DBH classes, and differences in conicity and yield between species. The estimated yields were superior to the percent yields observed for Amazonian species in studies done using samples with similar characteristics. Therefore, it was concluded that conicity can vary between species, logs, and DBH classes, and is a characteristic that directly effects the yield of lumber. Furthermore, the incorporation of cutting templates represents an alternative for maximizing lumber yield.

A 20-year tree liberation experiment in the Amazon: Highlights for diameter growth rates and species-specific management

We address tree diameter growth, linking it to a species-specific approach to managing terra firme forests in the Amazon, based on a long-term forest experiment testing the effect of tree liberation on diameter growth. Five species were selected for diameter growth modeling: Astronium lecointei, Chrysophyllum lucentifolium, Lecythis lurida, Manilkara paraensis, and Manilkara elata. The aims were to (i) investigate the tree diameter growth rates with and without liberation and (ii) determine species-specific minimum cutting diameters (MCDs) and cutting cycles (CCs). Individual tree non-age-explicit growth models were tested with calibration data from trees of ≥35 cm dbh whose growth was monitored over 20 years. The diameter growth was projected to 100 years. We found that liberation can reduce the time necessary for trees of 35 cm to attain an MCD of 50 cm by up to 70 years and can accelerate diameter growth even after growth stagnation. Its effect may be strong on both small and large trees, depending on the species. Both the diameter growth and the liberation effect depend on the species, thus reinforcing the need for more discussion of specific-species management in the Amazon. M. elata had the fastest diameter growth rate among the studied species. A. lecointei can grow under liberation as fast as M. elata. An MCD of 50 cm is suitable for both species because trees reach this dbh while still growing quickly. The number and length of the CCs for A. lecointei and M. elata should allow trees to reach a dbh between 60 and 70 cm. The species C. lucentifolium and L. lurida experienced growth stagnation at dbhs of 40–50 cm; however, liberation accelerated the slowed growth of trees in that diameter range. Similar studies in the Amazon are encouraged in order to confirm the slow growth of C. lucentifolium and L. lurida at other sites and then recommend reducing their MCD with a species-specific regulation. The number and length of the CCs for these two species should allow trees to reach a dbh no larger than the MCD. M. paraensis was the only species for which the effect of the liberation increased with tree size. An MCD of 50 cm is suitable for this species. CCs should allow M. paraensis trees to reach a dbh no larger than 60 cm without liberation and 70 cm with liberation.

Durabilidade natural das madeiras de Apuleia leiocarpa, Astronium lecointei e Enterolobium schomburgkii ao fungo apodrecedor Trametes versicolor

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a durabilidade natural das madeiras de Apuleia leiocarpa (grápia), Astronium lecointei (muiracatiara) e Enterolobium schomburgkii (fava-orelha-de-negro) ao ataque do fungo causador da podridão branca Trametes versicolor (Linnaeus ex Fries) Pilat, pelo ensaio de apodrecimento acelerado. Foram utilizadas 15 amostras de cerne de cada espécie, nas dimensões 2,5 x 2,5 x 0,9 cm (radial, tangencial e axial, respectivamente). Essas permaneceram durante 16 semanas em incubadora sob ataque do fungo. Após o período de ataque, determinaram-se a perda de massa e a referida classe de durabilidade natural. E. schomburgkii apresentou a maior média de perda de massa (17,5%), seguida de A. lecointei (15,5%), sendo classificadas como resistentes a T. versicolor. A. leiocarpa apresentou maior durabilidade (10,6% de perda de massa), sendo classificada como altamente resistente. A madeira de A. leiocarpa diferiu estatisticamente das demais, indicando potencial de maior durabilidade quando disposta em condições que favoreçam a desenvolvimento deste xilófago.

Physical-mechanical characterization of two amazon woods coming from the second cutting cycle.

Due to changes in the Amazon forest dynamics after the first cutting cycle, non exploited species become dominant in the forest. The lack of technological knowledge makes it hard to commercialize these woods, making the understanding of their physical-mechanical properties a fundamental step to properly define their applications. This study aimed to characterize physically and mechanically the wood of Pseudopiptadenia psilostachya and Eschweilera ovata from the second cutting cycle of the Tapajós National Forest, intending to commercially promote and to identify usages for them, as well as to evaluate the viability of replacement of highly commercialized species. The tests were performed accordingly to the Brazilian standard NBR 7190. P. psilostachya, presented bulk density of 0.683 g.cm-3, medium levels of shrinkage and anisotropy, as well as medium hardness (7366 N) and high strength on compression parallel to grain (71.63 MPa) and on static bending (103.9 MPa). It was generally superior to Euxylophora paraensis, but inferior when compared to Bagasssa guianensis and Apuleia leiocarpa, with possibilities to replace these three species. E. ovata, on the other hand, presented bulk density of 0.798 g.cm-3, high shrinkage and anisotropy values, but high values for hardness (12089 N) and strength on compression parallel to grain (68.67 MPa) and on static bending (127.1 MPa). This species exhibited, in general, similarities with Mezilaurus itauba, although it is a little inferior in relation to Hymenaea sp. and Astronium lecointei. Both species, P. psilostachya and E. ovata fit in the highest strength class described on the Brazilian Standard NBR7190, C60. By means of the results found, it was concluded that although the species studied were unknown, they presented timber with enough quality to replace some Amazon timber species widely commercialized on both national and international market.

Spatial patterns and interactions of dominant tree species in an Amazon tropical forest

Knowledge of spatial patterns and interactions of tree species allows for understanding the ecological processes of spatiotemporal structures of tropical forests, becoming essential for the establishment of strategies for the conservation and management of their resources in long term. The aim of this study was to investigate spatial patterns and interactions of Astronium lecointei, Dinizia excelsa and Peltogyne paniculata, three dominant timber tree species in Jamari National Forest, Brazilian Amazon. Kernel estimator was used aiming to verify the possible influence of first-order factors on species distributions and Inhomogeneous K-function was applied to analyze spatial patterns and interactions of the species by means of second-order factors. Univariate analyses revealed different scale-dependent spatial patterns for the species. Aggregation related to ecological characteristics, such as preferential habitat and dispersal limitation, was verified for A. lecointei and P. paniculata. D. excelsa presented a random spatial pattern, explained by specific features of its establishment, such as the need for clearings due to light requirement. Interspecific associations were evidenced by bivariate analyses, in which the spatial attraction of the species resulted from the same preference for microhabitats and the repulsion was a result of niche segregation.

Charcoal anatomy of Brazilian species. I. Anacardiaceae.

Anthracological studies are firmly advancing in the tropics during the last decades. The theoretical and methodological bases of the discipline are well established. Yet, there is a strong demand for comparative reference material, seeking for an improvement in the precision of taxonomic determination, both in palaeoecological and palaeoethnobotanical studies and to help preventing illegal charcoal production. This work presents descriptions of charcoal anatomy of eleven Anacardiaceae species from six genera native to Brazil (Anacardium occidentale, Anacardium parvifolium, Astronium graveolens, Astronium lecointei, Lithrea molleoides, Schinus terebenthifolius, Spondias mombin, Spondias purpurea, Spondias tuberosa, Tapirira guianensis, and Tapirira obtusa). They are characterized by diffuse-porous wood, vessels solitary and in multiples, tyloses and spiral thickenings sometimes present; simple perforation plates, alternate intervessel pits, rounded vessel-ray pits with much reduced borders to apparently simple; parenchyma paratracheal scanty to vasicentric; heterocellular rays, some with radial canals and crystals; septate fibres with simple pits. These results are quite similar to previous wood anatomical descriptions of the same species or genera. Yet, charcoal identification is more effective when unknown samples are compared to charred extant equivalents, instead of to wood slides.

Predicting the distribution of forest tree species using topographic variables and vegetation index in eastern Acre, Brazil

Species distribution modeling has relevant implications for the studies of biodiversity, decision making about conservation and knowledge about ecological requirements of the species. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the use of forest inventories can improve the estimation of occurrence probability, identify the limits of the potential distribution and habitat preference of a group of timber tree species. The environmental predictor variables were: elevation, slope, aspect, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and height above the nearest drainage (HAND). To estimate the distribution of species we used the maximum entropy method (Maxent). In comparison with a random distribution, using topographic variables and vegetation index as features, the Maxent method predicted with an average accuracy of 86% the geographical distribution of studied species. The altitude and NDVI were the most important variables. There were limitations to the interpolation of the models for non-sampled locations and that are outside of the elevation gradient associated with the occurrence data in approximately 7% of the basin area. Ceiba pentandra (samaúma), Castilla ulei (caucho) and Hura crepitans (assacu) is more likely to occur in nearby water course areas. Clarisia racemosa (guariúba), Amburana acreana (cerejeira), Aspidosperma macrocarpon (pereiro), Apuleia leiocarpa (cumaru cetim), Aspidosperma parvifolium (amarelão) and Astronium lecointei (aroeira) can also occur in upland forest and well drained soils. This modeling approach has potential for application on other tropical species still less studied, especially those that are under pressure from logging.

Application of Acoustic Tomography and Ultrasonic Waves to Estimate Stiffness Constants of Muiracatiara Brazilian Wood

Determination of the stiffness constants of Muiracatiara wood (Astronium lecointei) was performed using Fakopp 3D acoustic tomography and James V Mk II ultrasound devices. Specific gravity, moisture content, and compression perpendicular to grain tests followed standard Brazilian requirements. Statistical tests were calculated to 99% confidence intervals. Using Christoffel’s equation, equality between stiffness constants and static modulus of elasticity occurred only when using the acoustic tomography device. These results show the importance of the acoustic tomography device, not only to detect defects, but also in determining elastic constants of wood.

Woods with physical, mechanical and acoustic properties similar to those of Caesalpinia echinata have high potential as alternative woods for bow makers

For nearly two hundred years, Caesalpinia echinata wood has been the standard for modern bows. However, the threat of extinction and the enforcement of trade bans have required bow makers to seek alternative woods. The hypothesis tested was that woods with physical, mechanical and acoustic properties similar to those of C. echinata would have high potential as alternative woods for bows. Accordingly, were investigated Handroanthus spp., Mezilaurus itauba, Hymenaea spp., Dipteryx spp., Diplotropis spp. and Astronium lecointei. Handroanthus and Diplotropis have the greatest number of similarities with C. echinata, but only Handroanthus spp. showed significant results in actual bow manufacture, suggesting the importance of such key properties as specific gravity, speed of sound propagation and modulus of elasticity. In practice, Handroanthus and Dipteryx produced bows of quality similar to that of C. echinata.

Produção de lamelas em serra de fita horizontal múltipla para fabricação de piso engenheirado de madeira

Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a relacao da velocidade de avanco de um modelo de serra fita horizontal na qualidade final das lamelas de quatro especies de madeira utilizadas na producao de pisos engenheirados: jatoba (Hymenaea courbari L.), muiracatiara (Astronium lecointei), amendoim (Pterogyne nitens) e sucupira (Bowdichia nitida). Foram estudadas as distribuicoes das espessuras das lamelas com relacao a velocidade de avanco, considerando-se o tipo de madeira, a especificacao do controle de qualidade e a existencia de marcas na superficie. Os resultados mostraram que o amendoim apresentou maior aproveitamento na producao de lamelas, enquanto que o jatoba foi a especie que sofreu maior perda no processo de producao. A velocidade de avanco que apresentou os menores indices de desclassificacao de lamelas foi de 8 m/min, sendo a mais indicada para producao de lamelas.

Variação anatômica no lenho de Astronium lecointei Ducke

In order to evaluate the variation of the cellular elements of Astronium lecointei Ducke from the pith towards the vascular cambium, wood samples from three regions of the radial sense in the tree at 1.30 m above the groundwere analyzed: 0% (near to the pith), 50% (intermediate region) and 100% (near to the vascular cambium). The methodology applied in the work was the one traditionally recommended for studies in wood anatomy, following the guidance of the IAWA Committee. It was possible to observe that some anatomical elements showed well-defined, statistically significant variation trends: frequency, diameter and length of the vessel elements, length of rays in microns, and fiber length. There was also greater pore blockage by tyloses close to the pith and in the intermediate region. The tendency to stabilize the values of these structures may indicate the formation of adult wood as from the intermediate region analyzed in the wood of Astronium lecointei Ducke.