Examining the Physical Properties and Within Tree Variability in the Physical Properties of Two Lesser-Known Timber Species in Ghana
Examining the Physical Properties and Within Tree Variability in the Physical Properties of Two Lesser-Known Timber Species in Ghana
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Date
2013
Authors
Kwaku, Antwi
Bernard , Effah
Kofi, Osei Jonny
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Publisher
International Journal of Science and Technology
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine some physical properties of Cola nitida and Funtumia elastica two lesser- known timber
species in Ghana that are not used for commercial timber purposes. The basic properties were determined based on British Standard
373 (1957). The main statistical tools used were Descriptive Statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Variation in physical
properties was analyzed within the trees of the two species. Three trees each per species were used in the study. Results of the study
showed that initial moisture content were 66.6% and 79.4% for Cola nitida and Funtumia elastica respectively. The basic density of
Cola nitida was 623.8 kg/m3
and 499.6 kg/m3
for Funtumia elastica. According to TEDB (1994), Cola nitida is a Medium-Heavy
species and Funtumia elastica a Medium Weight species. Mean total tangential shrinkage from green to oven-dry was 7.25 and
6.78% for Cola nitida and Funtumia elastica, respectively. Mean partial tangential shrinkage from green to 12% MC is very small
(under 2.5%) for Cola nitida and medium (4.0-5.5%) for Funtumia elastica. The corresponding mean partial radial shrinkage values
also showed that shrinkage was very small (under 1.0%) for Cola nitida and medium (2.0–3.0%) for Funtumia elastica. The
technical values for the two species compared favourably with those of some locally used species for timber production (like
Scottellia coriacea and Lannea welwitschii), and therefore could be considered suitable for timber utilization. The results of the
analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the three axial sections of the trees showed significant differences at 5% probability
level (p < 0.05).
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Citation
Effah, B., Kofi, J. O., & Antwi, K. (2013). Examining the physical properties and within tree variability in the physical properties of two lesser-known timber species in Ghana. International Journal of Science and Technology, 3(8), 328-332.