Abstract

Wood characteristics of 21 lesser-known tree species of Kerala forests were examined in the present study. The properties investigated include physical features of wood like colour, grain, texture, heartwood content, basic density and shrinkage in addition to the anatomical structure of the wood. Majority of the timbers examined have density value comparable to commonly used structural and joinery timbers. However, only a few species like Aglaia barberi, Aporusa lindleyana, Ormosia travancorica and Pterospermum rubiginosum possess a distinct, wide heartwood. Rest of the species which have a narrow or indistinct heartwood are not likely to be durable unless treated with preservative chemicals. Except for a few species like Euodia lunu-ankenda, Aporusa lindleyana, Ormosia travancorica and Syzygium chavaran the majority of timbers have hjigh shrinkage. A number of species are likely to be useful for furniture-making or turnery due to their decorative figure and fine texture. However, a few like Garcinia morella, Madhuca bourdillonii, Mastixia arborea and Polyalthia coffeoides were found to be less suitable for the above purposes. On the whole, the study suggests that a good proportion of the native, less-known hardwoods possess timber value which can be exploited for achieving optimum use of the resources