Wood anatomy and properties of 24-year-old Liquidambar styraciflua in three diameter classes

We investigated the effect of diameter class on the wood anatomy and properties of 24-year-old Liquidambar styraciflua to determine the potential wood quality in three different diameter classes: large (33cm), medium (26.5cm), and small (22.4cm). We hypothesize that different diameter classes have wood variations with potential distinct qualities. Results showed the highest values of compression parallel to the grain, shear parallel to the grain and modulus of rupture in the small and medium classes. Radial variation showed an increase in vessel diameter, decrease in the frequency of vessels, and increase in the fiber length toward the bark. In contrast to other studies, longer fibers were found, possibly associated with climatic conditions. Density did not vary among the three classes, but it was more homogeneous in the large and medium classes, but not the small class. Stiffness was more homogeneous in the large and small classes.