ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND WOOD PHYSICAL- MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TWO AFRICAN MAHOGANY SPECIES

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anatomical characteristics and wood physical-mechanical properties of two African mahogany species (Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis). Five trees of each species with 19-years-old, proceeding from experimental parcels in the areas of the Reserva Natural Vale, located in Sooretama, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. For the anatomical characteristics samples were taken at the position of transition between heartwood and sapwood (peripheral heart). In the evaluation of the specific density were used two opposing wedges from discs gotten in the corresponding region to the diameter the height of the breast (DHB), taken the 1,30 m of the ground, and in positions 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the commercial height of the tree. For shrinkage 20 samples obtained randomly throughout the trunk of each species. The mechanical tests were carried through in removed samples of the central large plank, to the discarded the pith. The species were different how much to the type and frequency of vases and porosity. Rays were predominantly multiseriates, heterocellulars and fibers are libriform. The wood of Khaya ivorensis has low specific density and wood of Khaya senegalensis has medium specific density. The two wood species have normal dimensional stability. In relation the mechanical properties, the Khaya senegalensis wood had the biggest values for all the carried through tests.