The macroscopic and other identification features of seventy lesser-used timber species of Ghana
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Date
2003-11-29
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Abstract
In Ghana, about 70 species are harvested and used commercially out of about 420 which grow to timber size in the forest. However the trade is dominated by only about 20 species. There is therefore the need to promote the potential of lesser-used species in order to reduce the demand on the few commercial species which are getting extinct. The lesser-used species, if correctly identified can be used as substitutes for the commercial species.
This thesis includes the description of macroscopic (vessels, axial parenchyma. rays, fibre tissues and growth rings), physical (density, hardness, texture and colour), and miscellaneous features (burning splinter test) of 70 lesser-used species. A thorough and systematic examination of the species was made to identify the wood species by their macroscopic, physical and other miscellaneous features. Definitions, explanatory notes and photographs of the features employed are given.
The key macroscopic identification features like the presence of tyloses, diagonal pattern of vessels, marginal parenchyma, storied rays, and axial parenchyma, distinct growth ring boundaries, reticulate and scalariform parenchyma are used in identifying the various wood species. The key physical and miscellaneous features identified are density, hardness, texture, heartwood colour and burning of splinter test.
The outcome of the various wood identified is summarized in a diagnostic dichotomous key for identification of the species. A dichotomous key for identification of all the 70 species based on compiled macroscopic and other identification features is shown in Table 4.2.
It is recommended that sufficient information on lesser-used species he compiled to obtain general market acceptance and also the Government of Ghana should promote marketing and utilization of lesser-used species through tax relief, low royalties and incentives for plantation development.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Wood Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Science, 2003