Fiber Morphology of Syzygium tripinnatum (Blanco) Merr. Stemwood and Branchwood and Their Derived Values

Syzygium tripinnatum (Blanco) Merr. is an indigenous fruit tree species in the Philippines. This study characterizes the fiber morphology (fiber length, diameter, lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness) and derived values (Runkel ratio, slenderness ratio, flexibility ratio, Mulhsteph ratio, and rigidity coefficient) of S. tripinnatum wood grown in the Philippines. The results revealed that branchwood fibers were 1.610% longer, and both fiber and lumen diameters were 2.170% and 9.600% thicker, respectively, compared to stemwood. However, the cell wall thickness of stemwood was 1.670% greater than that of branchwood. In terms of derived values, stemwood exhibited higher values by 10.410% for the Runkel ratio, 0.580% for the slenderness ratio, 1.990% for the Mulhsteph ratio, and 3.030% for the rigidity ratio, while branchwood displayed a 7.350% higher flexibility ratio. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in fiber morphology or derived values between the two wood types. Based on the fiber morphology, S. tripinnatum wood is highly rigid and stiff, making it difficult to collapse, and thus less efficient for pulp and paper production, and bulkier for paper. However, the study suggests that S. tripinnatum could be suitable for construction, furniture, tool handles, cabinetry and pilings due to its cell wall thickness, Runkel ratio, flexibility ratio, Mulhsteph ratio, and rigidity coefficient. Further research into other properties of S. tripinnatum wood, considering factors such as tree maturity, height, sample size, and habitat would be crucial for accurately determining its suitability for the intended applications.