Wood density and stiffness of New Zealand native trees and shrubs
Main Article Content
Keywords
Acoustic velocity, density, Modulus of Elasticity (MoE), School of Forestry | Kura Ngahere, Wood collection, Xylarium
Abstract
Background: New Zealand’s native forests are species-rich. Little information has been documented about the properties and historic uses of the lesser-utilised species. Xylaria, archives of wood samples, can be used to obtain information on timbers which are difficult to source.
Methods: Wood density and stiffness of 115 native tree species archived in the New Zealand School of Forestry | Te Kura Ngahere’s xylarium were measured and put into context with available information from literature.
Results: The range of wood density and stiffness of the New Zealand native tree species was comparable with that found globally, indicating a wide range of potential uses.
Conclusions: Open access to wood properties of lesser-used New Zealand native tree species is essential to successfully implement New Zealand’s government policy of establishing a commercial native forestry sector. Wood density information can aid carbon accounting of native forests under the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Article Sidebar
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors of articles published in New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science retain the copyright of their articles and are free to reproduce and disseminate their work. Authors may also grant any third party the right to use the article freely as long as its integrity is maintained and its original authors, citation details and publisher are identified.
Open access
All articles published by New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science are made freely and permanently accessible online immediately upon publication, without subscription charges or registration barriers.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.