Chemical, microscopic, and mechanical properties of Mongolian <i>Haloxylon ammodendron</i> wood

Abstract Haloxylon ammodendron is a small psammophyte tree that grows under challenging environmental conditions in the Mongolian Gobi Desert. It plays a key role in sustaining the structure and function of the Gobi ecosystem, and it is a commodity with high ecological value on the regional scale. In this study, thin cross-sections of the wooden trunk were used to determine the type of tree ring boundaries and axial parenchyma characteristics by Raman imaging. The wood samples were analysed for their content, composition, and radial distribution of extractives, which provided insight into the ultrastructure of the wood trunk as well as the transport and storage of various metabolites. The ecologic success of the H. ammodendron is in part due to the deployment of lignin both as a protective component and key structural material. The tree species appear to have a potential as a precursor for various applications, such as the development of lignocellulosic sorbent materials, activated carbons, etc. due to the high lignin content, while the structure permits few utilizations, including composite pulps, particle boards and panels etc.