Series editors' preface - Wood Tools

Table 2.1 Continued
Common and systematic Key identification features Average Typical strength properties b Shrinkage
names related/similar species relative (%) c
density a
African mahogany – Khaya
spp.
Central American mahogany –
Swietenia spp.
Teak – Tectona grandis
Macroscopic Microscopic C|| C|- MoR MoE SH S t S r
Heartwood pale rosy red to dark reddish
brown, often with purplish cast. Grain
typically interlocked producing even stripe
figure. Growth rings usually indistinct but
sometimes distinct due to increased fibre
density in outer late-wood or weakly
defined terminal parenchyma. Diffuse
porous. Pores medium to medium-large,
visible without lens, relatively few to
numerous, evenly distributed, solitary and
in radial groups of 2–8. Some pores with
red gum contents (but usually not white).
Parenchyma usually not distinct without
lens; terminal parenchyma occasionally
present, poorly defined; vasicentric
parenchyma narrow. Rays distinct on cross
section without lens. On radial surfaces, ray
fleck darker than background. Ripple marks
usually not present, but if present are
indistinct and irregular
Heartwood pale brown or pink to dark
reddish brown. Grain straight or roey.
Growth rings distinct due to concentric
lines of terminal parenchyma easily visible
without a lens. Diffuse porous. Pores
medium-large, visible without lens, rather
numerous, evenly distributed, solitary and
in radial groups of 2–10. Some pores with
red gum contents or whitish deposits.
Parenchyma terminal and vasicentric. Rays
barely visible without lens on cross section.
On radial surfaces, ray fleck darker than
background. Ripple marks usually distinct
and regular; occasionally irregular, all
elements storied
Heartwood dark golden yellow turning dark
brown or nearly black with age. Waxy feel.
Rays of two sizes:
smaller mostly 2–3
seriate, larger 4–7
seriate, with larger
cells on flanks of
rays (tangential
view). Marginal cells
and longitudinal
parenchyma may
contain crystals.
Intervessel pitting
alternate, very small
Rays 1–6 (mostly
3–4) seriate. Crystals
in some marginal ray
cells; longitudinal
parenchyma
occasionally contains
crystals. Intervessel
pitting alternate, very
small
Rays 1–5 (mostly
3–4) seriate. Ray and
0.63
0.58
0.57
5.1
4.0
3.7
2.2