Determination of lignin composition in compression wood-like reaction wood of angiosperm Gardenia jasminoides by pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Using pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, the lignin composition was analysed in normal and reaction wood samples grown at three stem inclination angles in Gardenia jasminoides, which forms compression wood-like reaction wood. Lignin content among the samples was not significantly different. However, the reaction wood samples with larger stem inclination angles showed a lower syringyl/guaiacyl ratio. In conclusion, the degree of inclination affected the lignin composition in G. jasminoides reaction wood, and qualitative changes in lignin might be necessary to mechanically support the stems in this species.