Within-stem variation in physical properties of <i>Hyphaene compressa</i> palm wood: A study on density, moisture content, and shrinkage

Within-tree variations in wood properties are important considerations for optimal utilisation, especially for lesser-known species like the tropical palm Hyphaene compressa . However, little is known about the extent and pattern of such variation in palm species, particularly in H. compressa , which is increasingly harvested for timber but lacks detailed physical property characterisation. This study investigated the patterns of moisture content (MC), basic density (BD), and shrinkage (volumetric, longitudinal, radial, and tangential) within a single opportunistically selected, 30-year-old, H. compressa tree across its main stem (MS) and first two branching levels. MC increased significantly from the MS (19.1 ± 9.73%) to the second branching level (73.4 ± 16.20%), while BD exhibited a decreasing trend (0.863 ± 0.069 gcm −3 to 0.562 ± 0.045 gcm −3 ). Longitudinal shrinkage was lowest at the first branching level (0.31 ± 0.15%) compared to the MS (0.50 ± 0.20%) and second branch (0.72 ± 0.53%). Radial, tangential and volumetric shrinkage increased progressively outwards, peaking at the second branch (6.88 + 1.95%, 5.88 ± 1.50% and 13.0 ± 3.04%, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between MC and shrinkage properties, but negative correlations between BD and shrinkage. K-means clustering distinguished two clusters primarily driven by differences in BD, MC, and radial and tangential shrinkage. The results present distinct within-tree property patterns in H. compressa that should be considered during processing and utilisation of this palm species for value-added wood products.