Characterisation of the Chemical Composition of Aningeria robusta: A. Chev WOOD

The study was carried out to assess the chemical composition of Aningeria robusta wood. Two stands of Aningeria robusta were purposely sampled for felling at The National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NAFORRI), Kifu, Uganda. From each felled tree, samples were taken at the base, middle and top portions of the merchantable height and were later partitioned into core wood, middle wood and outer wood across the radial plane. A split plot statistical method was used to test the significance of the variability in the wood chemical components examined at a 5% level of probability. A followup Duncan Multiple Ranged Test was also carried out to further examine the extent of significance. The results showed that the mean value for cellulose content was 46.78%, with a consistent pattern of variation occurring both along the tree and across the radical plane. Also, a significant effect was noticed radially and axially. The lignin content had a mean value of 22.20%. It ranged from 20.48 to 23.04%, with an increasing pattern of variation from base to top and core wood to outer wood. The extractive content mean value was 5.0%. It ranged from 4.25 to 5.65%, increasing steadily from base to top and from core wood to outer wood. There was significant effect at P=0.05, both along and across the tree. The results obtained from the research study shows that the percentage chemical composition of Aningeria robusta is satisfactory for a typical hardwood species. The chemical components in the main vary in a consistent pattern both in axial and radial directions. The rich cellulose base of A. robusta wood makes it a good potential resource for paper-making furnishing. Therefore, wood Aningeria robusta should be explored for the chemical production of pulp for papermaking. The significant content of extractive in A. robusta also suggests conferment of natural durability to the wood. Hence, A. robusta wood can be recommended for structural application as suitable substitute for such known wood species as Milicia excelsa and Tectona grandis that are fast going into extinction due to over-exploitation.