Identification of Jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and Bedidel (Artocarpus nobilis) timber species using anatomical features

Abstract

Timber is considered to be an ecological friendly building material with less construction energy requirements. The Jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and Bedidel (Artocarpus nobilis) species are economically valuable timber species of the Moraceae family. External appearance of both sawn wood is similar in colour. Density values of matured wood is same ranged in both species (625- 650 kgm-3). But the industrial uses of Jack and Bedidel are different. As buyers and consumers are not identified of both timber species correctly, they tend to get mislead easily. Wood anatomy is considered to be a precise and rapid method for wood identification. Due to the limited availability of information related to anatomical features of wood species, the present study was aimed at evaluating the anatomical features of Jack and Mahogany timber species. Present practice of timber identification is mainly based on personnel skills as there is no proper systematic mechanism to identify them. In this research, both species were employed in identification of variations in wood anatomical features and distinguishing the species. Authentic timber samples were collected from the Research Division of the State Timber Corporation for this study. Based on the results of the study, Jack and Bedidel timber species could precisely be identified and distinguished using anatomical features: vessels, parenchyma, rays and fiber.