Exploration of wood species at Enggano Island: Identification and fiber morphology measurements

Abstract The objectives of this exploration were to identify and characterize the lesser-known wood species in Enggano island, and to find the suitability especially for construction and sawn-timbers. Wood samples were taken by drilling the trees to obtain a pencil-like shape with a size of 20 cm in length and 0.5 cm in diameter. Identification and anatomical structure observation of wood samples were carried out according to the International Association of Wood Anatomist (IAWA). Preparation of maceration for wood fiber dimension measurement followed the modified Franklin method. Physical properties of wood were investigated to obtain the specific gravity data. Absolute bending and compression strength, as well as the strength class were estimated through the specific gravity values based on Indonesian Forestry Classification. As many as 22 wood species have been collected, where nine of which were categorized as lesser-known wood species. Wood species at Enggano island which have potential as construction timbers with strength class II were Ki Ahid (Intsia palembanica) and Kasai (Kingiodendron alternifolium); and that for sawn-timbers with strength class III were Kabaruk (Antiaris sp.) and Ki Ono (Combretocarpus rotundatus). From the fiber morphological measurements, it was indicated that the smaller the lumen diameter and the longer the fiber, the specific gravity of wood increased.