Wood Properties of 7-Year-Old Brachypterum microphyllum Planted in Malaysia
Abstract
The utilisation potential of Brachypterum microphyllum, a fast-growing species introduced into plantation trials in Malaysia, remains relatively underexplored. Samples in this study were obtained from a Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) plantation trial in Selandar, Melaka, established using wild seedlings collected from Kampung Ulu Groh, Perak, where the species has been traditionally used by the Semai Orang Asli community. The plantation trial was initiated to assess its cultivation potential and to support sustainable raw material supply, thereby reducing reliance on natural forest resources. To date, research has mainly focused on the medicinal properties of the bark, while the wood characteristics and utilisation potential remain less studied. This study investigated the anatomical, chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of seven-year-old plantation-grown B. microphyllum. Microscopic analysis revealed diffuse-porous wood with very large solitary vessels, aliform to confluent parenchyma, medium-sized rays, and non-septate fibres. The absence of tyloses and silica may indicate favourable treatability and machinability, although this requires further confirmation through processing studies. Chemical analysis showed high holocellulose content (79.5%–81.9%), α-cellulose (~44%), moderate lignin content (22.6%–23.9%), and low extractives (0.9%–2.1%), indicating a high carbohydrate composition. Preliminary phytochemical screening identified flavonoids, tannins/polyphenols, and triterpenes/steroids, which may be relevant to further investigation of its reported traditional uses. The wood density ranged from 441.4 to 606.8 kg/m3 (mean: 524.1 kg/m3), classifying it as light to moderately heavy timber. Shrinkage values at 15% moisture content were 2.2% (tangential), 1.3% (radial), and 0.6% (longitudinal), with a T/R ratio of 1.6, indicating moderate dimensional stability. Mechanical properties were comparable to or higher than values reported for several plantation-grown species in the literature. Overall, the findings indicate that seven-year-old B. microphyllum has potential as a fast-growing plantation timber species with favourable physical and mechanical properties.