Variation in fiber morphology of balau kumus (Shorea laevis) from pith to bark

The variation of fiber morphology in balau kumus (shorea laevis) was studied from pith to the bark. The parameters of interest are fiber length, fiber diameter, lumen width and cell wall thickness. The fiber is longer near the bark (1.8 mm) and becoming shorter towards the pith (1.4 mm). Similar trend of greater values near the bark was observed for fiber diameter, lumen width and cell wall thickness. The values for Runkle ratio and felting power were greater near the bark but coefficient of suppleness showed greater values near the pith. Thus portions of balau kumus closer to the bark couId lead to more meaningful utilization if one is looking for longer fiber and greater values of Runkle ratio and felting coefficient.