COMPARING GROWTH RING CHARACTERISTICS IN CALOPHYLLUM INOPHYLLUM: A CASE STUDY OF TWO DISTINCT SITES IN TAIWAN

Abstract

This study compares the tree-ring characteristics of Calophyllum inophyllum in two distinct growth locations, investigating differences in growth rate and wood density. Overall, tree-ring width characteristics in the Taichung region surpassed those in Tainan, indicating a superior growth trend. Radial variation analysis revealed varying performance between the regions in individual tree rings. In terms of tree-ring density, C. inophyllum in Taichung exhibited higher values, particularly in earlywood density, latewood density, and maximum density within each tree ring. Variations occurred inconsistently in the five tree-ring density characteristics, especially at positions from the pith to the 2nd and from the 5th to 7th tree rings. At specific positions, Taichung's C. inophyllum displayed higher density, except at the 10th tree-ring position. The correlation between tree-ring width and density was low and insignificant, suggesting a lack of a clear relationship. These findings provide valuable insights for forest management and product utilization.