Fibre morphology of mengkirai (trema orientalis) according to height level / Siti Nor Rafidah Said

Fibre morphology of Mengkirai (Trema orientalis) according to height level were ascertained. One species of trees were selected from Reserve Forest MARA University of Technology Pahang. Samples representing according to height level specifically top, middle and base of Mengkirai. Knowledge on antomical properties is necessary in assessing the potential uses of wood. The objectives of the study are to determine variation of the fibre morphology at three portion of height. The results indicate that the top of mengkirai exhibition highest in fibre length, fibre diameter, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness. At three portion of height the result have shown (FL) fibre length (1.66, 1.31, 1.40 mm), (FD) fibre diameter (55.60,33.00,31.58 µm), (LW) lumen width (20.83, 16.75, 13.83 µm), (CWT) cell wall thickness (18.67,8.33,8.58 µm), (RR) runkel ratio (1.80, 0.99, 1.24 µm), and (FR) flexibility ratio (0.37, 0.51, 0.44 µm). In terms of fibre morphology there were significant differences at three portion of height. Further research is need to clarify and understand the fundamental factors which influence the anatomical differences at three portion of height. These differences may be due to spacing distance, management practies and soil type or combination of three factors.