Radial variation of the basic density and cellular dimensions of Croton floribundus

Abstract

Croton floribundus(capixingui) is found in the States of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Paraná. In view of the necessity of new knowledge of the wood properties in laboratory conditions, this work aimed to study the radial variation of the basic density and cellular dimensions of this species. Discs from five trees with average DBH of 20,35 cm, with thickness of 7 cm, were collected at DBH height. The trees came from the Cantareira State Park, property of the Forestry Institute of Sao Paulo State. From each disc, samples were removed, representing the positions pith, intermediate and bark, to study the radial variation of the following variables: basic density; length, diameter, and vessels frequency; length, width, and rays frequency; wall length, diameter, and thickness; and lumen diameter. The results indicated that occurred an increase tendency in the vessels diameter and reduction in the ray frequency from the pith to the bark; the other variables did not show this trend.