Longitudinal and Radial Variation in Aspidosperma pyrifolium Wood Density

Abstract

The Caatinga is a biodiversity biome. However, it lacks information about the timber potential of native vegetation. Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart. is a native species with diverse qualities and uses for wood. Can assess the quality of wood based on its technological properties. Therefore, to determine the variability of the main physical parameters of A. pyrifolium wood contributes to the diagnosis of its correct use, in addition to expanding knowledge about plant species from the Caatinga. This research aims to evaluate the physical parameters of A. pyrifolium wood, and the variation in basic density in the longitudinal and radial directions. Collected material in the Governador Dix-Sept Rosado, Rio Grande do Norte State. Three trees without apparent defects and DBH between 8 cm and 12 cm were felled. Removed five 10cm thick discs and positioned along the shaft at 0% (base), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the total height. In the laboratory, the specimens were prepared and divided in the radial direction (pith, intermediate, and bark) to characterize the basic density, moisture content, and porosity. The average density was 0.68 g/cm³, classified as moderately heavy wood, varying in both directions, with no interaction between the factors. A decreasing behavior of basic density was observed in the base-top and pith-to-bark direction. The average results for equilibrium moisture content and porosity were 8.46% and 55.58%, respectively.