Anatomical Branch Wood Properties of Diospyros spp.

Abstract

The distribution of Diospyros spp. (Ebenaceae) in Indonesia is greatly wide, but the studies about the botanical aspect are still less attention. The main species of Diospyros that already known as high economic value of raw material for furniture industry and also has been studied frequently is Diospyros celebica (also known as "the black ebony"). However, the availability of the wood is still constrained by minimum population and limited cultivation. Illegal logging has been a major problem that continuously threatens the population. This study aimed to discover the information of other species of Diospyros through the study of anatomical characters. About five species of Diospyros used in this study, namely Diospyros sumatrana, D. ridleyi, D. pendula, D. dictyoneura, and D. celebica. About thirty-three qualitative and six quantitative anatomical characters were observed through maceration and permanent slides. General anatomical characters found in all species of the Diospyros were fusiform with reticulate axial parenchymal arrangement, unicellular ray width, and medium fiber cell length. Specific anatomical characters of each species included the differences cell size in quantitative characters and the appearance of special characters such as the vessel perforations, the helical thickening in fibers and vessels, and distribution of black deposits and crystal. The fiber quality of the Diospyros used in this study categorized as class III, which can produce paper with moderate tensile strength, breaking, and tearing.