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Abstract This study intended to assess the effect of weather on the air-drying process of messassa wood (Brachystegia spiciformis Benth) in two areas of Mozambique (Machipanda and Beira city). First, the logs were sawn into 27 mm thick boards. Every five days the moisture content of the wood was determined by the control samples. For each region, the drying rate and wood quality post sawing and drying were estimated. The drying time differed between the regions under investigation, with Machipanda revealing the higher value. Messassa wood, which revealed a low drying rate (0.33% U/day), was categorized as slow drying wood. Both regions showed average final moisture content of 15.3% in the boards, with only slight variations in moisture inside the stacks. After outdoor drying, only a few defects were noted and as it was free from tensions, hence it was classified as good quality wood.

Experiments concerning drying behaviour of ntholo ( Pseudolachnostylis maprounaefolia PAX) were conducted to find a suitable drying schedule. Two non-symmetrical drying (NSD) tests were carried out to determine the drying behaviour of ntholo in terms of drying rate and stress behaviour. A tentative drying schedule was selected for comparison of the test results with those of similar tests with other known species. The schedule was tested in a laboratory kiln on 28-mm thick boards. According to both NSD tests and laboratory tests, ntholo dries easily but slowly. The laboratory drying lasted 266 h and achieved standard drying quality characterised by 8.9% moisture content, a moisture gradient of 1.2% and a case-hardening (gap) of 1.2 mm. Twist was the largest deformation with 3.4 mm per 1000 mm on average. The assigned schedule provided standard drying quality and it could be tested further in industrial kilns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Mozambique is a country with vast forestry resources that include native wood species with high commercial value. Thus, the trade of timber as raw material, as well as wooden finished products are commercial options of considerable valuable for the country. This work presents information about anatomical characteristics, physical and mechanical properties and use of some native wood species from Mozambique, namely, Afzelia quanzensis, Androstachys johnsonii, Erytrophleoum suaveolens, Khaya nyasica, Pterocarpus angolensis, Milletia stuhlmannii and the emerging lesser-known species Pericopsis angolensis, Sterculia appendiculata and Sterculia quinqueloba. The study concludes that these Mozambican wood species are similar in several aspects. They are generally described as very hard, dense, having high mechanical strength and durable. The study also concludes that although the lesser-known wood species, S. quinqueloba, has similar properties to the traditionally used one, A. quanzensis, it is less used because of its poorly known properties and potential uses. Thus, further research to determine the properties and suitable end uses of other lesser know species is likely to be beneficial to the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]