Properties of Manilkara Discolor (Sond.) Hemsl.): a lesser-known timber species from Kilindi District Tanzania

Abstract

This work was conducted to determine some physical and mechanical properties of Manilkara discolor, a lesser-known and lesser-utilized timber species from Kilindi District Tanzania. Three large trees free from visible defects were selected, felled and small sample pieces of 20 mm x 20 mm x 60 mm for compression, 20 mm x 20 mm x 20 mm for shear, 20 mm x 20 mm x 45 mm for cleavage and 20 mm x 20 mm x 300 mm for static bending, comprising 72 pieces for each test were prepared. The sample pieces were tested in laboratory using standard methods. The wood was brownish and attractive, fine textured with appealing figure and attaining good finish when plained. The results showed the species to have wood basic Density of 765 kg m-3, Modulus of Elasticity of 14,341 N mm-2, Modulus of Rupture of 119.48 Nmm-2, Work to Maximum Load of 0.132 mm Nmm-2 and Work to Total Fracture of 0.284 mm Nmm-2. The Compression parallel to grain was 41.69 Nmm-2, Shear parallel to grain was 18.65 Nmm-2 and Cleavage Strength was 34.97 Nmm-2. Manilkara discolor wood was found to have desirable values and can be used to substitute other species which are currently in danger of over-exploitation.

Key words: Basic density – Tanga - Khaya anthotheca - Pterocarpus angolensis