Fiber morphology of arangen (Ganophyllum falcatum Blume) stemwood and branchwood in San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines

Jayric Villareal; Wyndell De Guzman; Jay Mark Cortado; Cindy Poclis

Jayric F. Villareal College of Agroforestry and Forestry, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, North La Union Campus, Bacnotan, La Union 2515
Wyndell B. De Guzman College of Agroforestry and Forestry, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, North La Union Campus, Bacnotan, La Union 2515
Jay Mark G. Cortado College of Agroforestry and Forestry, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, North La Union Campus, Bacnotan, La Union 2515
Cindy E. Poclis College of Agroforestry and Forestry, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, North La Union Campus, Bacnotan, La Union 2515

Keywords: endemic, lesser-known species, pulp and paper, termite-resistant wood, wood anatomy

Abstract

The fiber morphology (fiber length and diameter, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness) and derived values (Runkel ratio, slenderness ratio, and flexibility ratio) of arangen (Ganophyllum falcatum Blume) stemwood and branchwood were evaluated to determine variation between wood types. These were used as bases in recommending the potential of arangen wood for various end-uses. The highest mean fiber length (1.22 mm), cell wall thickness (6.36 μm), Runkel ratio (1.68), and slenderness (57.47) were recorded in the tree with a diameter of 44 cm (D3), while the highest mean fiber diameter (9.71 μm), lumen diameter (21.96 μm), and flexibility ratio (43.55) were recorded in the tree with 34 cm diameter (D2). A trend of fiber length was observed as tree diameter increased, while the opposite trend was observed for cell wall thickness. Relative to wood types, stemwood recorded the highest mean for fiber length (1.20 mm), fiber diameter (21.90 μm) and lumen diameter (9.36 μm), cell wall thickness (6.26 μm), Runkel ratio (1.62), and slenderness ratio (56.71). Statistically, no significant variation was observed in the fiber morphology and derived values between stemwood and branchwood. Based on the fiber length and lumen diameter results, arangen fiber would be suitable for pulp and paper with a good beating process. On the other hand, arangen fibers might be stiff, difficult to collapse, and form bulkier paper with less bonded area signifying less suitability for pulp and paper production but would be potential for building or construction purposes regardless of wood types based on the cell wall thickness, Runkel ratio, and flexibility ratio results. Further, the physical, mechanical, and chemical characterization of arangen wood would be relevant information to consider to validate its suitability for the intended uses.