Variations of Stem and Branch Wood Properties of Nesogordonia papaverifera in Ghana

Abstract

The characteristics of Nesogordonia papaverifera stemwood and branchwood were investigated. Within Ghana's middle belt, five mature trees with identical diameter at breast height were chosen. Mechanical characteristics and basic density were determined in accordance with British Standard BS 373 and ASTMD 2395, respectively. The IAWA list of microscopic features for hardwood identification was followed by anatomical features. Basic density, mechanical, and anatomical parameters all had a positive connection (P<0.05). Branchwood had a little higher basic density than stemwood, and heartwood had a slightly higher basic density than sapwood. There were minor changes in MoE, MoR, compression, shear, and hardness between the heartwood and sapwood. The stem and branch, on the other hand, were comparable. Fibre percentages were higher in stemwood than branchwood and in heartwoods than sapwoods anatomically. There were more vessels in the branch than in the stem, and in the sap than in the heart. The branchwood of N. papaverifera had medium strength qualities that were comparable to most medium construction species' stemwood and could thus be used in addition to their stemwood. The study has offered information on N. papaverifera branchwood that may inspire trust and interest in the use of branchwood as a supplemental material in the manufacture of wood products.