WOOD ANATOMICAL AND DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF DALBERGIA SISSOO ROXB. GROWN IN LAHORE

Abstract

A study of the basic structure of Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) wood was conducted in order to facilitate identification, to offer anatomical data useful in various wood testing and processing processes, and to evaluate its improved utilisation. The results revealed that the fibres in Shisham wood were long, medium in diameter, wide lumened, somewhat thick-walled, and comprised almost half of the wood's volume. The vessels were of a moderate frequency, of a smaller dimension, and utilised a minimal volume of wood. The wood rays had a medium frequency, were slightly larger in size, and comprised nearly 17% of the wood's volume. The axial parenchyma cells were averagely dense and comprised roughly 22% of the wood's volume. Overall, fibre cells occupied the most volume of the wood, which suggests that it may be a highly durable wood. However, the wood's preservation and seasoning characteristics may be slow. In addition to its traditional applications, shisham wood can be utilised in the production of particleboard, furniture, construction materials, and pulp and paper.