Wood density and stiffness of New Zealand native trees and shrubs

Background: New Zealand’s native forests are species-rich. Little information has been documented about the properties and historic uses of the lesser-utilised species. Xylaria, archives of wood samples, can be used to obtain information on timbers which are difficult to source. Methods: Wood density and stiffness of 115 native tree species archived in the New Zealand School of Forestry | Te Kura Ngahere’s xylarium were measured and put into context with available information from literature. Results: The range of wood density and stiffness of the New Zealand native tree species was comparable with that found globally, indicating a wide range of potential uses. Conclusions: Open access to wood properties of lesser-used New Zealand native tree species is essential to successfully implement New Zealand’s government policy of establishing a commercial native forestry sector. Wood density information can aid carbon accounting of native forests under the Emissions Trading Scheme. © The Author(s). 2023 Open Access.