Technological properties of woods used in boat’s production in the Southeast of Pará, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify, anatomically characterize, and determine some of the physical properties of wood species that are used for boat production in the southeast region of the state of Pará in Brazil. The samples were collected during visits to shipyards in the region, then it was identified at the specie level and technologically characterized. Eight species belonging to four distinct botanical families were identified. All identified species had presented some type of deposition in its vessels and 87% of them had had medium density (0.40 to 0.75 g.cm^-3). The species with higher frequency of occurrence and that had more parts used for boat production were Caryocar villosum and Apuleia leiocarpa. It was observed two different group arrangements of species, “piquiá” (Caryocar villosum and Alexa grandiflora) and “tatajuba” (Bagassa guianensis and Enterolobium schomburgkii). It was also identified the illegal commercialization of “castanheira’s” wood (Bertholletia excelsa). The results can indicate anatomical and physical similarities in woods used in boat production and can contribute as a component of a database in wood anatomy of specie used for boat production in the Amazon region, besides to subside practices that contribute to an effective supervision of the logging market in the region.

Key words:
shipbuilding; Amazon timbers; anatomical features