Anatomical Features Affecting Liquid Penetrability in Three Hardwood Species

Authors

  • Richard J. Thomas

Keywords:

<i>Carya tomentosa</i>, <i>Nyssa sylvatica</i>, <i>Liquidambar styraciflua</i>, heart-wood, tyloses, pit membranes, liquid penetrability, encrustations, permeability

Abstract

Variation in liquid penetrability of hickory, sweetgum, and blackgum is related to differences in tyloses, gum depositions, encrustations, pit membrane structure, volume of the various cell types present, and types of cells connected by pits. In hickory, blockage of the intervessel pits, isolation of vessels from fibers, parenchyma, tyloses, and low vessel volume resulted in liquid flow along heartwood fibers. Tyloses and heavily incrusted pit membranes in both vessels and fibers of sweetgum heartwood effectively halt liquid flow. Blackgum heartwood is easily penetrated as it lacks tyloses and contains a relatively small amount of incrusting materials.

References

Chattaway, M. M. 1949. The development of tyloses and secretion of gum in heartwood formation. Aust. J. Sci. Res. B.2:227-240.nCôté, W. A., Jr., Z. Koran, and A. C. Day. 1964. Replica techniques for electron microscopy of wood and paper. Tappi47(8):477-484.nGerry, E. 1914. Tyloses: Their occurrence and practical significance in some American woods. J. Agric. Res.1:445-470.nMacLean, J. D. 1935. Manual on preservative treatment of wood by pressure. U.S. Dep. Agric., Misc. Pub. 224.nTeesdale, C. H., and L. D. MacLean. 1918. Relative resistance of various hardwoods to injections with creosote. U.S.D.A. Bull. 606.n

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Published

2007-06-05

Issue

Section

Research Contributions