Abstract

MOYA ROQUE, Róger; TOMAZELO FO, Mario  and  CANESSA AMADOR, Edwin. Fiber morphology in fast growth Gmelina arborea plantations. Madera bosques [online]. 2007, vol.13, n.2, pp.3-13. ISSN 2448-7597.  https://doi.org/10.21829/myb.2007.1321225.

Gmelina arborea is planted in large areas of forest with the objective of producing solid wood using well known silvicultural techniques and taking advantage of the properties of the wood quality of fast-growing tree species managed in short rotation systems. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphology and dimension of fibers from the pith to the bark in trees from fast growth plantations in northern Costa Rica.

The results indicate that fiber morphology is irregular in both diameter and shape; with 1 to 4 septa, abundant crystals deposited in fiber lumina and minutely bordered pits with oblique and non- vestured apertures. Fiber length, width and cell wall thickness increased with tree age in the early stages. Lumen diameter was not correlated with tree age.

Keywords : Fiber width; lumen diameter; cell wall thickness; fiber length.