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Properties of the Eucalyptus umbra R. T. Baker Wood as a Function of the Diameter and Radial Position in the Log

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the variation of density, chemical compounds and anatomical characteristics, as a function of the diameter class (upper, middle and lower) and radial position, in the trees of Eucalytpus umbra in a 25-year-old population. Only the fiber length varied throughout diameter classes: longer fibers occurred in the upper class and shorter fibers in the lower class. Results showed homogeneity of the wood in the diameter classes. Ray width, frequency and lignin content were not affected by the radial position. Fiber and vessel length and vessel diameter increased significantly from pith to bark. Through regression analysis, it was concluded that the radial variation occurs due to vascular cambium maturation and the transition from juvenile to adult wood.

Keywords:
Eucalyptus; basic density; anatomical characteristics; chemical composition.

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