Wood identification of tropical and temperate species

Each tropical or temperate wood is characterized by a specific organization of its structure whose elements are oriented along different plans: transverse, radial (quartersawn) and tangential (flatsawn).

From a sample of wood, recognition involves the following steps:

• A macroscopic and sensory analysis: appearance, color, potential odor, density ... which allows to guide further research,
• A microscopic analysis of its transverse plane using a hand lens, a binocular or a microscope, to refine identification.

If the result is unsatisfying, then we must observe the structure in three planes and several magnifications.

1. We look at the cross-section; which allows to observe the distribution, size and number of vessels, the presence and arrangement of axial parenchyma, the thickness of the cell walls,
2. Then the tangential plane is observed, which allows to study the wood rays, their size and arrangement, the possible presence of crystals, ...
3. Finally, the observation of the radial plane provides information especially on the crossfield pitting or vessel – ray pitting.

The examination is usually done using a microscope at various magnifications (x50, x100, x200, x400) and is to observe, count and measure the different tissues as well as details specific to one genus or species. The observed characteristics are then compared with reference samples kept in our xylotheque or with data published in the literature.

Our wood collection contains 35,400 specimens representing more than 8,000 tropical and temperate species collected over several decades.