Physical and Mechanical Properties of Woods from Three Native Fast Growing Species in Secondary Forest in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Growth characteristics and basic wood properties of three native fast-growing species, terap (Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume), medang (Neolitsea latifolia (Blume) S. Moore), and balik angin (Alphitonia excelsa (Fenzel) Reissek ex Benth), were investigated. All three species are grown in a secondary forest in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. No significant correlations between growth characteristics (stem diameter and tree height) and stress-wave velocity of the stems were found. The mean basic density (BD) for whole trees of terap, medang, and balik angin were 0.34, 0.55, and 0.39 g cm􏰁3, respectively. The BD in medang wood was similar in both radial and longitudinal directions. On the other hand, the BD gradually increased from pith to bark, decreased from 1 to 3 m above the ground, and then gradually increased to the top of the tree in terap and balik angin. Significant positive correlations between radial and tangential shrinkages and BD were found. Compressive strength parallel to grain and air-dry density also showed high positive correlations for all species. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in wood properties among the five sample trees in each species.