anatomical evaluation of wood fibres parkia gigantocarpa ducke

This study aimed to determine the dimensions of the wood fibers of Parkia gigantocarpa Ducke and their relations to pulp production. For determining the dimensions of the fibers were sampled three experimental planting trees 14 years of age and collected discs,without bark of the tree on the basis of 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the height of commercial trees. The samples were extracted from the discs. The macerated material slides were stained with safranin aqueous solution of 1%. For each sample were taken 30 measures in length, width and lumen diameter. The fibers had an average length of 1,63 mm, width of 48,40 μm; lumen diameter of 37,52 μm; wall thickness of 5,44 μm. The indices were obtained from Runkel 0,29; wall fraction of 22,47%; flexibility coefficient of 77,53% and felting index of 33,67. According to the anatomical properties evaluated, the specie in question has the potential to be used in pulp production. However, some additional studies are necessary for its complete characterization.