Anatomical Structures and Fiber Quality of Four Lesser-Used Wood Species Grown in Indonesia

This study aimed to investigate the anatomical structure and fiber quality of four lesser-used wood species namely Benuang (O. sumatrana), Duabanga (D. moluccana), Pisang Merah (H. hellwigii), and Terap (A. odoratissimus). This study evaluated its suitability for raw material in pulp and paper manufacturing. The anatomical structure was observed macro- and microscopically. Macroscopic structures were observed directly to the wood samples, while microscopic characteristics were observed through microtome specimens. Fiber dimension was measured through macerated specimens and fiber quality was analyzed following the Rachman and Siagian’s method. Results showed that these four timber species have similarity in the indistinct growth ring, diffuse porous in a radial pattern, rounded solitary vessel outline, 1 to 3 cells of ray width, deposits within the rays, fiber length, and cell wall thickness. Differences were found on vessel diameter, vessel grouping, vessel frequency, tyloses existence, type of axial parenchyma, and ray height. Based on fiber length and its derived values, the wood fibers of all species studied are suitable for pulp and paper manufacturing. They belong to the II quality class. The produced pulp and paper would have good quality, especially in tensile, folding, and tear strength. To promote their utilization, silviculture aspect of these four species has to be well understood.