Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Zanthoxylum gilletii Wood and Comparative Strength Analysis with Enthandrophragma cylindricum for Furniture Applications

Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Zanthoxylum gilletii Wood and Comparative Strength Analysis with Enthandrophragma cylindricum for Furniture Applications | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Zanthoxylum gilletii Wood and Comparative Strength Analysis with Enthandrophragma cylindricum for Furniture Applications Desire Domekyiir Delle, Emmanuel Appiah-Kubi, Antwi Kwaku, Michael Awotwe Mensah This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7380562/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 14 Jan, 2026 Read the published version in Journal of the Indian Academy of Wood Science → Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract In furniture manufacturing, the mechanical and physical properties of timber play a vital role in determining its strength and suitability for use. This study evaluated these properties in three trees each of Zanthoxylum gilletii (Okuo) and Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sapele). Samples, free from defects and exhibiting straight grain, were harvested from three stem sections (top, middle, and bottom) at breast height (DBH) of each tree. The moisture content (MC) of heartwood and sapwood for Z. gilletii ranged between 34.73 ± 3% and 43.29 ± 4%, while E. cylindricum ranged from 38.10 ± 3% to 45.50 ± 4%. Density values for Z. gilletii varied from 715.91 ± 8 to 841.94 ± 79.1 kg/m³, compared to 640.04 ± 33.1 to 758.46 ± 38.9 kg/m³ for E. cylindricum . At 12% moisture content, the mean modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) for Z. gilletii ranged from 86.08 ± 4.52 to 132.25 ± 4 N/mm² and 8,474.10 ± 754.3 to 9,263.80 ± 494.1 N/mm², respectively. Corresponding values for E. cylindricum ranged from 84.15 ± 2 to 109.50 ± 3 N/mm² (MOR) and 8,292.90 ± 492.9 to 9,616.70 ± 705.9 N/mm² (MOE). These results suggest that Z. gilletii demonstrates mechanical properties comparable to or exceeding those of E. cylindricum , indicating its potential as a viable alternative for furniture, construction, and structural applications Lesser-utilized species Modulus of rupture Modulus of elasticity Density Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Introduction Wood remains a preferred material for furniture and structural applications over plastic and metal due to its versatility and performance (Sudo et al. 2013 ; Antwi-Boasiako et al. 2017 ; Abdolzadeh et al. 2015 ). The structural integrity of wooden furniture largely depends on the mechanical properties of the timber used (Sudo et al. 2013 ). As noted by dos Santos et al. ( 2015 ), the strength properties of wood are critical in determining the failure or durability of furniture and structural components. In countries like Costa Rica and Nicaragua, lesser-known timber species are widely used for furniture and even exported, owing to the availability of well-documented data on their properties (Vlosky, Aguirre 2001 ; Haviarova et al. 2013). Similarly, dense and durable timbers such as Nesogordonia papaverifera and Diospyros mespiliformis are recommended for demanding engineering structures like bridges and buildings (Fonti et al. 2010 ; Scholz et al. 2013 ). In Malaysia, Hevea brasiliensis (rubberwood) is a dominant species in the furniture industry (Puasa et al. 2010 ). In Ghana, however, furniture and structural applications rely heavily on a limited number of well-known and are overexploited timber species (WKS) such as E. cylindricum , Milicia excelsa , Khaya ivorensis , Terminalia ivorensis , Aningeria altissima , and Nesogordonia papaverifera (Boadu 2016 ; Appiah-Kubi et al. 2012 ; Ohemeng, 2022 ). This overdependence strains the industry, limiting diversification and contributing to resource depletion, unemployment, and instability within the sector (Haman et al. 2020; Ohemeng et al. 2023 ). Efforts are ongoing to encourage the use of lesser-used species (LUS) to reduce pressure on WKS and ensure sustainable timber supply for the global furniture market (Ohemeng et al. 2023 ). However, in Ghana and Malaysia, limited data on the physical and mechanical properties of many lesser-utilised-timber species (LUS) including Z. gilletii , hampers their adoption (Hanan et al. 2020). As emphasized by Ratnasingam et al. ( 2010 ); Haviarova et al. (2013) and Bessa et al. (2022) having reliable technical information on LUS is essential for their acceptance and utilization is paramount to forest sustainability and survival of wood industry. Given the lack of comprehensive data on Z. gilletii , this study aims to evaluate some physical and mechanical properties and compare them with those of E. cylindricum , a widely used reference species in Ghana’s timber industry MATERIALS AND METHODS Material Harvesting and Conversion Three (3) trees each of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum were harvested from the Bobiri Forest Reserve and Butterfly Sanctuary, located in the Juaben Municipal and Sekyere-East Districts of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. This area, covering 54.64 km², falls within the Moist Semi-Deciduous South-East ecological zone, between latitudes 06°40′N to 06°44′N and longitudes 01°15′W to 01°22′W. Selected trees had a diameter at breast height (DBH) between 80–120 cm and heights ranging from 20–45 m. Each tree was felled using a chainsaw and crosscut into three sections; top, middle, and bottom each measuring 2500 mm in length and labeled for easy identification. These sections were further sawn into beams of 2500 × 300 × 200 mm for ease of transport. The beams were taken to the Forestry Commission Training Center (FCTC) at Akyaakrom, Kumasi and milled into 2500 × 300 × 50 mm lumber using a 14 HP petrol/5.4 kW electric LT5START Wood-Mizer. Finally, the lumber was transported to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG), Fumesua, where they were processed into the required sample sizes for testing. Physical Properties Determination of moisture content A total of 540 samples (20 mm 3 ) comprising each 270 samples from bottom, middle, and top sections from each Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum trees respectively, were used for moisture content (MC) and density. Samples were prepared consisting of 45 samples both radially (heartwood and sapwood) and axially of each of the three trees. To prevent rapid moisture loss, the samples were immediately sealed in polythene sheets. MC samples were first weighed using an electronic balance to determine their initial MC. Subsequently, the samples were oven-dried at a temperature of 103 ± 2°C until they reached a moisture content of 12–15%, following the EN 13183–1: 2002 standard. The samples were weighed at six-hour intervals until a constant weight was achieved. To determine the density, samples were soaked in water for 24 hours to ensure full saturation after initial wet weight. Density was then measured based on the oven-dry mass and swollen volume using the water displacement (immersion) method, as outlined in BS 373:1957. A digital balance with a precision of 0.01 g was used to ascertain the weight of beaker filled with water, which was then zeroed. Each sample was submerged in the water, and the new mass of the beaker, water, and sample was recorded. The increase in weight due to the submerged sample equated to the volume of water displaced, which corresponds numerically (cm³) to the swollen volume of the sample, assuming the density of water is 1 g/cm³. Following volume measurement, the samples were oven-dried at a temperature of 103–105°C until a constant mass was achieved, representing the oven-dry weight. The density of each sample was then recorded in kg/m³ based on the ratio of oven-dry mass to saturated volume. This method provides accurate wood density values, which are critical for understanding mechanical behavior, strength classification, and potential end-use applications (BS 373:1975 Determination of Mechanical Properties The static bending strength of MOR and MOE samples (20 × 20 × 300 mm), Compression parallel to grain (20 x 20 x 60 mm) and Shear parallel to grain (50 x 50 x 50 mm) was used for the tests. A total of 720 clear, straight and defect free samples of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum (360 each), comprised of 120 heartwood and sapwood samples each from the bottom, middle and top sections of the three trees of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum respectively (Shanavas and Kumar 2006 ; Haman et al. 2020).The test was performed using a three-point bending method, where each specimen was loaded at the center while supported at both ends. An Instron Universal Testing Machine (Inspekt 50 − 1) [UTM] was used on test samples in accordance with BS 373:1957. The maximum load (N/mm 2 ) operating load cell capacity of the UTM was 30 kN at a speed rate of 10 min/mm (Ohemeng et al. 2023 ). The maximum load that caused the sample to fail or fracture on each sample was recorded (Haman et al. 2020). RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS Moisture Content Across both axial and radial directions, Tree 2 of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum recorded the highest mean moisture content values compared to Trees 1 and 3 (Fig. 1 ). The mean MC values for Z. gilletii ranged from 36.86–39.52%, while E. cylindricum ranged from 37.77–42.17% (Fig. 1 ). Notably, all portions of E. cylindricum consistently exhibited higher mean MC values than those of Z. gilletii . In terms of trend, both species followed the same order: Tree 2 > Tree 3 > Tree 1 (Fig. 1 ). The overall mean MC across all portions was 38.17% for Z. gilletii and 39.42% for E. cylindricum , with the later showing slightly higher values (Fig. 2 ). These findings align with a study conducted by Appiah-Kubi et al. ( 2012 ), they reported that MC values for some lesser-used species (LUS) in Ghana ranged from 16.1% in Antiaris toxicaria to 51.0% in Albizia ferruginea . ANOVA analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between axial and radial directions for both species (Table 1 ). The relatively high MC observed in Z. gilletii suggests its potential to develop desirable strength properties for furniture and structural applications. There is high significance between the trees (Tables 1 & 2 ). Furthermore, the MC levels recorded for Z. gilletii are comparable to those of some well-known commercial timber species (WKS), supporting its potential for wider utilization. (Fig. 2 ). This study thus provides valuable baseline data on the moisture content characteristics of Z. gilletii , aiding in its future promotion and application in the timber industry from the post hoc analysis (Table 2 ). Table 1 ANOVA for moisture content and density of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum. Source Df MC Density F – value P – value Var. (%) F - value P - value Var. (%) Specie Type (ST) 1 18.563 0.000 3.6 154.687 0.000 23.5 Tree Type (TT) 2 52.616 0.000 17.3 0.262 0.770 0.1 Axial Section (AS) 2 54.051 0.000 17.7 8.890 0.000 3.4 Radial Section (RS) 1 21.615 0.000 4.1 33.901 0.000 6.3 ST * TT 2 6.196 0.002 2.4 29.258 0.000 10.4 ST * AS 2 0.738 0.479 0.3 1.883 0.153 0.7 ST * RS 1 0.002 0.966 0 6.871 0.009 1.3 TT * AS 4 21.700 0.000 14.7 2.091 0.081 1.6 TT * RS 2 0.653 0.521 0.3 .242 0.785 0.1 AS * RS 2 0.139 0.870 0.1 1.268 0.282 0.5 ST * TT * AS 4 0.793 0.530 0.6 1.416 0.227 1.1 ST* TT * RS 2 0.457 0.633 0.2 .279 0.756 0.1 ST * AS * RS 2 0.282 0.754 0.1 1.420 0.243 0.6 TT * AS * RS 4 0.919 0.452 0.7 .155 0.961 0.1 ST * TT * AS * RS 4 0.142 0.967 0.1 .521 0.720 0.4 Table 2 Post-hoc analysis of moisture content and density for Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum Tree Type Tree Axial Section Z. gilletii E. cylindricum MC Density MC Density Tree 1 Top 38.47 ± 2.98a 715.91 ± 84.79a 39.46 ± 3.32a 672.00 ± 82.64a Middle 37.39 ± 2.11b 729.40 ± 71.55a 37.50 ± 1.65b 707.60 ± 38.65a Bottom 34.73 ± 3.06c 774.98 ± 95.21b 36.35 ± 1.98c 758.46 ± 38.89b Tree 2 Top 43.29 ± 4.51a 743.69 ± 70.47a 45.50 ± 4.10a 691.36 ± 44.15a Middle 40.22 ± 4.60b 786.72 ± 83.02b 42.77 ± 4.58b 645.40 ± 23.12a Bottom 35.05 ± 3.12c 782.75 ± 51.52b 38.25 ± 1.53c 671.68 ± 49.61b Tree 3 Top 38.96 ± 3.40a 804.96 ± 75.25c 38.19 ± 3.65a 640.04 ± 33.08a Middle 36.92 ± 3.60b 811.61 ± 72.42c 38.10 ± 3.17b 595.52 ± 25.94a Bottom 38.50 ± 3.77c 841.94 ± 79.18c 38.71 ± 4.13c 667.99 ± 38.44b Density The study revealed that the average density at 12% moisture content (MC) varied along the tree height for both Z. gilletii and cylindricum (Fig. 3 ). In both axial and radial directions, Tree 3 of Z. gilletii exhibited the highest density compared to Trees 1 and 2, whereas for E. cylindricum , Tree 1 had the highest density relative to its other trees (Fig. 3 ). Overall, Z. gilletii demonstrated higher density values than E. cylindricum (Fig. 4 ). The descending order of mean density for Z. gilletii was Tree 3 > Tree 2 > Tree 1, while for E. cylindricum , it was Tree 1 > Tree 2 > Tree 3 (Fig. 3 ). Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in density between and within the axial and radial directions for both species (Tables 1 & 2 ). Density, defined as the mass of wood substance per unit volume at a given moisture content (Ohemeng et al., 2023 ), is strongly correlated with wood physical and mechanical properties (Frodeson et al. 2019). In this study, Z. gilletii exhibited densities ranging from 712.1 to 819.5 kg/m³, indicating a medium-heavy to heavy density classification according to ATIBT ( 1990 ) and TEDB ( 1994 ) standards. This aligns with findings that, higher density generally corresponds to greater wood strength (Lemmens et al. 2012 ; Appiah-Kubi et al., 2012 ). The variation in density within Z. gilletii along the tree height concurs with previous research highlighting inconsistent density variation along tree stems (King et al. 2006 ). The relatively high density of Z. gilletii suggests it is well-suited for applications requiring resistance to bending stress, such as construction, compared to lower density woods (Hamdan et al. 2020 ). The observed variations in wood density within these species could be attributed to anatomical factors including cell size, wall thickness, earlywood-to-latewood ratio, ray cell number, and vessel element size (Antwi-Boasiako 2010 ). Additionally, chemical deposits within and between cells, juvenile wood presence, environmental conditions, site factors, climate, geographic location, age, and silvicultural practices may also influence density variation (Ofori et al. 2009; Frodeson et al. 2019; Ohemeng et al., 2023 ). Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum The mean MOR values for Z. gilletii ranged from 105.97 to 117.54 N/mm², while E. cylindricum recorded lower mean values between 98.59 and 105.13 N/mm². Among the trees studied, Tree 3 of Z. gilletii exhibited the highest MOR in both axial and radial directions compared to Trees 1 and 2 (Table 5 ). Conversely, Tree 2 of E. cylindricum showed the highest MOR relative to its counterparts (Fig. 5 ). The descending order of mean MOR for Z. gilletii was Tree 3 > Tree 2 > Tree 1, while for E. cylindricum , it was Tree 2 > Tree 1 > Tree 3 (Fig. 5 ). The overall average MOR for the three Z. gilletii trees was 112.81 N/mm², surpassing the E. cylindricum average of 101.03 N/mm² (Fig. 6 ). Comparatively, Appiah-Kubi et al. (2019) reported significantly lower MOR values for other lesser-known species (LKS), such as Albizia ferruginea (29.2 N/mm²) and Canarium schweinfurthii (25.2 N/mm²). While some LKS like Sterculia rhinopetala (63.2 N/mm²) showed moderate bending strength suitable for medium to heavy structures, Z. gilletii demonstrated exceptionally high bending strength, making it a strong substitute for heavy structural applications including timber buildings, bridges, decking, floors, docks, and roofing (Appiah-Kubi et al. 2019) (Table 3 ). ANOVA results indicated a very high significant difference (p < 0.05) in MOR and MOE between axial and radial directions for both species (Tables 3 & 4 ). MOR is recognized as a key indicator of wood strength and its use (Nocetti et al. 2013 ). A noted decline in mean MOR from the bottom to the top sections of Z. gilletii trees in this study may be attributed to the presence of juvenile wood along the stem height (Ohemeng et al. 2022; Piipanen et al. 2020 ). Additionally, wood from bottom sections of trees tends to have higher density matured wood, which positively influences its strength characteristics (Poorter et al. 2010 ). Based on the MOR results, Z. gilletii is suitable for furniture and structural use where high strength is required (Chen et al. 2020 ; Mi et al. 2020 ). Table 3 ANOVA of MOR and MOE for Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum trees Source df MOE MOR F – value P - value Var. (%) F – value P – value Var. (%) Specie Type (ST) 1 1106 0.000 .618 519.922 .000 .432 Tree Type (TT) 2 37.328 0.000 .098 72.427 .000 .175 Axial Section (AS) 2 398.542 0.000 .538 704.028 .000 .673 Radial Section (RS) 1 996.740 0.000 .593 1.019E3 .000 .598 ST * TT 2 .581 0.559 .002 51.224 .000 .130 ST * AS 2 95.245 0.000 .218 51.892 .000 .132 ST * RS 1 185.711 0.000 .214 64.180 .000 .086 TT * AS 4 60.730 0.000 .262 47.177 .000 .216 TT * RS 2 6.062 0.002 .017 107.892 .000 .240 AS * RS 2 1.003 0.367 .003 83.347 .000 .196 ST * TT * AS 4 26.823 0.000 .136 12.714 .000 .069 ST* TT * RS 2 .458 0.633 .001 42.562 .000 .111 ST * AS * RS 2 .951 0.387 .003 7.788 .000 .022 TT * AS * RS 4 22.447 0.000 .116 22.578 .000 .117 ST * TT * AS * RS 4 34.574 0.000 .168 11.400 .000 .063 Table 4 Post-hoc analysis of MOE and MOR for Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum Tree types Tree axial sections Z. gilletii E. cylindricum MOE MOR MOE MOR Tree 1 Top 8474.10 ± 754.27a 86.08 ± 4.52a 8292.90 ± 492.89a 84.15 ± 2.58a Middle 12400 ± 1892.98b 111.17 ± 2.76b 9616.70 ± 705.95c 99.86 ± 5.66b Bottom 11106 ± 745.02c 120.67 ± 6.53c 9593 ± 921.86c 114.06 ± 4.30c Tree 2 Top 9707 ± 538.70a 104.40 ± 7.79d 8362.20 ± 598.03a 100.83 ± 3.98d Middle 10774 ± 891.04b 116.33 ± 3.31e 9494.30 ± 774.15c 109.34 ± 3.36e Bottom 11411 ± 614.30c 123.99 ± 2.69f 9419.30 ± 712.58c 105.21 ± 4.09f Tree 3 Top 9263.80 ± 494.06a 98.49 ± 3.27g 8809.80 ± 558.97a 90.89 ± 2.54g Middle 10834 ± 534.98b 121.88 ± 3.89h 8422.80 ± 690.73b 95.39 ± 3.51h Bottom 10713 ± 469.92c 132.25 ± 3.99z 8736.10 ± 572.65c 109.50 ± 3.36z Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) The Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) for Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum followed the order, Tree 1 > Tree 2 > Tree 3 for both species (Fig. 5 & Table 6 ). The average MOE for the three Z. gilletii trees was 10,520.32 N/mm², while E. cylindricum showed a lower average of 8,971.9 N/mm² (Fig. 5 & Table 6 ). Z. gilletii exhibited higher MOE values in both axial and radial directions compared to E. cylindricum (Fig. 5 ), indicating that Z. gilletii strength is comparable to some well-known commercial wood species (WKS), making it a potential alternative for furniture manufacturing. ANOVA analysis confirmed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the MOE of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum (Tables 3 & 4 ). The MOE values for Z. gilletii decreased from the top to the bottom of the tree but remained stiffer in the middle and lower sections (Nocetti et al., 2013 ). When compared to other local utility species (LUS) studied by Appiah-Kubi et al. ( 2012 ), such as Albizia ferruginea [12,619 N/mm²], Blighia sapida [13,274 N/mm²], Sterculia rhinopetala [15,552 N/mm²], and Canarium schweinfurthii [9,209 N/mm²]. Z. gilletii MOE (10,270.27–10,660 N/mm²) is moderately high, while E. cylindricum (8,656.23–9,167.53 N/mm²) is closest to Canarium schweinfurthii value (Fig. 7 ). This suggests Z. gilletii is suitable for heavy structural applications. Variations in MOE are likely influenced by genetic factors, density, fiber length, and environmental conditions like temperature and humidity (Ayarkwa, 2009). Compression parallel to grain In terms of compressive strength parallel to the grain, Tree 2 of Z. gilletii exhibited the highest values compared to its Tree 1 and Tree 3, while Tree 3 of E. cylindricum showed the highest strength relative to its other trees (Fig. 9 ). The order of compressive strength for Z. gilletii was Tree 2 > Tree 1 > Tree 3, whereas for E. cylindricum it was Tree 3 > Tree 1 > Tree 2 (Table 9). The mean compressive strength across the three Z. gilletii trees was 85.54 N/mm², surpassing the mean of 79.62 N/mm² recorded for E. cylindricum (Fig. 10 ). These results indicate that Z. gilletii has a higher compressive strength compared to E. cylindricum . Its strength is comparable to some commonly used timber species in furniture production, suggesting its potential as a suitable alternative to enhance timber resources. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between axial and radial directions for both species (Tables 5 & 6 ). Mean values and post-hoc analysis for compressive strength of both species (Table 6 ). According Anoop et al. ( 2012 ) less endowered timber species requires a study for promotion and utilisation. Within individual trees of both species, compressive strength generally decreased from the bottom to the top sections. This variation may be linked to differences in wood chemical composition, maturity of wood cells, and ecological growing conditions Table 5 ANOVA for compressive strength and shear parallel to the grain of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum Source Df Com//g Shear//g F -value P – value Var. (%) F – value P– value Var. (%) Specie Type (ST) 1 60.009 .000 081 217.744 .000 .241 Tree Type (TT) 2 3.401 .034 .010 21.858 .000 .060 Axial Section (AS) 2 3.554 .029 .010 45.906 .000 .118 Radial Section (RS) 1 199.296 .000 .226 353.965 .000 .341 ST * TT 2 6.710 .001 .019 2.625 .073 .008 ST * AS 2 3.051 .048 .009 17.215 .000 .048 ST * RS 1 .073 .787 .000 26.670 .000 .038 TT * AS 4 2.401 .049 .014 4.193 .002 .024 TT * RS 2 4.570 .011 .013 1.200 .302 .003 AS * RS 2 .231 .793 .001 .889 .412 .003 ST * TT * AS 4 2.802 .025 .016 1.147 .333 .007 ST* TT * RS 2 .876 .417 .003 1.557 .211 .005 ST * AS * RS 2 .936 .393 .003 3.941 .020 .011 TT * AS * RS 4 .702 .591 .004 .067 .99 .000 ST * TT * AS * RS 4 2.097 .080 .012 .221 .927 .001 Note: Com//g = Compression parallel to grain; Shear//g = Shear parallel to grain. Table 6 Post-hoc analysis of compressive and shear strength of Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum species. Tree Types Tree Axial Sections Z. gilletii E. cylindricum Com//g Shear//g Com//g Shear//g Tree 1 Top 84.74 ± 9.79a 22.65 ± 5.89b 78.32 ± 10.91a 20.18 ± 5.09b Middle 84.27 ± 10.77a 24.42 ± 5.15a 76.98 ± 10.83a 20.55 ± 4.92b Bottom 81.04 ± 10.73b 28.07 ± 6.79a 82.55 ± 11.91b 22.96 ± 4.52b Tree 2 Top 86.53 ± 11.04a 18.99 ± 4.49c 74.96 ± 9.91a 17.93 ± 4.43c Middle 87.45 ± 12.64a 23.51 ± 4.23b 81.34 ± 10.79a 17.77 ± 4.32c Bottom 89.39 ± 9.20b 25.90 ± 5.68a 80.95 ± 10.41b 20.62 ± 4.29b Tree 3 Top 84.42 ± 10.31a 22.82 ± 5.16b 79.79 ± 9.03a 20.56 ± 4.83b Middle 80.57 ± 6.78b 25.93 ± 4.70a 80.06 ± 11.19a 18.96 ± 4.75c Bottom 85.48 ± 9.15c 26.62 ± 5.82a 81.68 ± 9.37b 19.78 ± 3.20c Shear parallel to grain For shear strength parallel to the grain, Tree 1 of both Z. gilletii and E. cylindricum recorded the highest values compared to their respective Trees 2 and 3 in both axial and radial directions (Fig. 11 ). Specifically, for Z. gilletii , the shear strength order was Tree 1 > Tree 3 > Tree 2, while for E. cylindricum it was Tree 3 > Tree 1 > Tree 2 (Fig. 11 ). The mean shear strength for Z. gilletii was 24.32 N/mm², surpassing E. cylindricum mean of 19.92 N/mm² (Fig. 12 ). Overall, Z. gilletii exhibited higher average shear strength than E. cylindricum (Fig. 12 ). A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between axial and radial directions for both species, supported by mean values and post-hoc analysis (Tables 5 & 6 ). Shear strength is critical for timber’s structural performance, especially in joinery. Variation in shear strength was noted within both species along the tree height, with the bottom portion showing the highest values, followed by the middle and top portions (Tables 5 & 6 ). These differences likely result from morphological variability, heterogeneous wood structure, density, and climatic influences typical of tropical species. CONCULSION This study reveals that Z. gilletii exhibits moisture content, density, and mechanical properties specifically, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE), that are comparable to or exceed those of the widely used E. cylindricum . These findings highlight Z. gilletii as a promising alternative timber species for furniture manufacturing, construction, and structural applications. Introducing Z. gilletii into commercial use not only offers a viable substitute to traditional hardwoods but also contributes to sustainable forest management by promoting species diversification and reducing pressure on overexploited timber resources The novelty (newness) of the research topic lies in several key aspects: Underexplored Timber Species: Z. gilletii is not widely studied or commercially used compared to well-known species like E. cylindricum . Evaluating its properties fills a knowledge gap about an underutilized species. Comparative Analysis: Directly comparing Z. gilletii with an established hardwood species ( E. cylindricum ) in terms of physical and mechanical properties provides new, practical data that can guide industry decisions on timber selection. Application Focus: The study emphasizes real-world applications such as furniture and construction, offering insights into the feasibility of using Z. gilletii in these sectors which hasn't been extensively documented before. Sustainability Angle: By identifying an alternative timber that matches or exceeds the qualities of commonly used wood, this research promotes species diversification. This contributes to sustainable forest management, addressing environmental concerns linked to overharvesting traditional timber species. So, the newness comes from investigating and validating an alternative, lesser-known timber species with potential commercial and environmental benefits, backed by comparative strength data that support its practical use. Declarations Author Contribution Contribution of AuthorsState what each other’s did in the work,DDD, KA Samples collection and preparation, testing of samples, wrote the main manuscript text, prepared figuresEAK, MAM, Data analysis, prepared figures All authors reviewed the manuscript. Funding Declaration The author declares that no specific funding or financial support was received for the preparation of this manuscript. This work is part of the author’s Ph.D. thesis and was not supported by any external funding source. References Abdolzadeh H, Ebrahimi GH, Layeghi M, Ghassemieh M (2015) Analytical and Experimental Studies on Stress Capacity with Modified Wood Members Under Combined Stresses. Maderas. Ciencia y Tecnologia. 17(2):263 - 276. Anoop EV, Ajaygosh V, Pillai H, Soman S, Sheena VV, Aruna P (2012) Variation in wood anatomical properties of selected indigenous, multipurpose tree species grown in research trials at LRS Thiruvazhamkunnu, Palakkad, Kerala. 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Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 14 Jan, 2026 Read the published version in Journal of the Indian Academy of Wood Science → Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. 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07:48:05","extension":"xml","order_by":27,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":134458,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"ce455b29fd8e460ebefd3dd41e4e6fed1structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/d8b33e969ffcca72b7f7bcb9.xml"},{"id":93909656,"identity":"67ea7ac0-e612-4003-bd83-cf23b2ba4d2e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:48:05","extension":"html","order_by":28,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":144394,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/cdea51570a110e406d094eff.html"},{"id":93910970,"identity":"d2ae6399-0fc8-4c10-89a7-c0ce13b57533","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 08:04:04","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":319053,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean moisture content between and among tree types (Bar – Standard Error)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/d4e07573fa594d79717ec28e.png"},{"id":93910727,"identity":"f799cc49-8197-49c4-ad5f-e63432971254","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:56:04","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":347907,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall mean moisture content between trees.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/4210361b2dd8ca57eab34e85.png"},{"id":93909619,"identity":"e2b31d6e-86c6-45b2-9774-a75044d0dc80","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":382853,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eAxial and radial mean density within and among tree types\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/9546e1af2d6cea63eca3f27c.png"},{"id":93910971,"identity":"b423877d-9c66-4ea7-ae51-a4161dc41525","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 08:04:04","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":496045,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall mean density between trees.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/e5a4100b25be4bce1de5b2d3.png"},{"id":93909626,"identity":"fea88b0b-1be7-4ba3-8b5e-e80bfda6eab5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":374926,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean of modulus of rupture of tree types\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/f2ffbd88cde60899f65d3dca.png"},{"id":93909639,"identity":"5398178c-8dac-4f70-bd1c-1d2bd851b76e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":360354,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal mean of modulus of rupture of tree species\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/e7dbc265557359bddcd5642d.png"},{"id":93910735,"identity":"06dd5bba-3c47-43f8-acc6-71287c9027cd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:56:04","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":508263,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean of Modulus of Elasticity of the tree type\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/55bf340c0282e84543a58f71.png"},{"id":93910732,"identity":"82283c3e-f30a-462d-b82b-7971477a3439","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:56:04","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":516029,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal mean of Modulus of Elasticity of the species\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/625924cebdf7b36209efb231.png"},{"id":93909628,"identity":"b2ec9f52-2ef6-4098-ab92-2738101e57eb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":450823,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean of compressive strength for \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e and \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e wood.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/7fcf5bcf76ff48df0415c8c6.png"},{"id":93909632,"identity":"fef5d3f4-0b84-4a79-be06-d283f5d4da33","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":10,"title":"Figure 10","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":491127,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverall compressive strength of \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e and \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e species\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"10.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/9f48f2633004349773fa0e0a.png"},{"id":93909636,"identity":"c9244787-7446-407d-a2e1-79121a67ea22","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":11,"title":"Figure 11","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":426139,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean shear strength of \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e and \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e species.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"11.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/7a96a8a88fb5e555c0fdfb62.png"},{"id":93909634,"identity":"135cad76-f866-4c31-b2a5-f051e92a9378","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-20 07:48:04","extension":"png","order_by":12,"title":"Figure 12","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":510008,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal mean of Shear strength of the species\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"12.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/1fb9e3d6700a5bd2ea4a971f.png"},{"id":100617663,"identity":"dfae156e-e7a2-40e8-98c5-540937a8a28a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-19 17:55:06","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":5662639,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7380562/v1/7a4b5efe-a3c9-4862-b0ef-6dbe1e81fae1.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Zanthoxylum gilletii Wood and Comparative Strength Analysis with Enthandrophragma cylindricum for Furniture Applications","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eWood remains a preferred material for furniture and structural applications over plastic and metal due to its versatility and performance (Sudo et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Antwi-Boasiako et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Abdolzadeh et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). The structural integrity of wooden furniture largely depends on the mechanical properties of the timber used (Sudo et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). As noted by dos Santos et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e), the strength properties of wood are critical in determining the failure or durability of furniture and structural components. In countries like Costa Rica and Nicaragua, lesser-known timber species are widely used for furniture and even exported, owing to the availability of well-documented data on their properties (Vlosky, Aguirre \u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2001\u003c/span\u003e; Haviarova et al. 2013). Similarly, dense and durable timbers such as \u003cem\u003eNesogordonia papaverifera\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eDiospyros mespiliformis\u003c/em\u003e are recommended for demanding engineering structures like bridges and buildings (Fonti et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e; Scholz et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). In Malaysia, \u003cem\u003eHevea brasiliensis\u003c/em\u003e (rubberwood) is a dominant species in the furniture industry (Puasa et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn Ghana, however, furniture and structural applications rely heavily on a limited number of well-known and are overexploited timber species (WKS) such as \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMilicia excelsa\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eKhaya ivorensis\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eTerminalia ivorensis\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eAningeria altissima\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eNesogordonia papaverifera\u003c/em\u003e (Boadu \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Appiah-Kubi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Ohemeng, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). This overdependence strains the industry, limiting diversification and contributing to resource depletion, unemployment, and instability within the sector (Haman et al. 2020; Ohemeng et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Efforts are ongoing to encourage the use of lesser-used species (LUS) to reduce pressure on WKS and ensure sustainable timber supply for the global furniture market (Ohemeng et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). However, in Ghana and Malaysia, limited data on the physical and mechanical properties of many lesser-utilised-timber species (LUS) including \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e, hampers their adoption (Hanan et al. 2020). As emphasized by Ratnasingam et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e); Haviarova et al. (2013) and Bessa et al. (2022) having reliable technical information on LUS is essential for their acceptance and utilization is paramount to forest sustainability and survival of wood industry. Given the lack of comprehensive data on \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e, this study aims to evaluate some physical and mechanical properties and compare them with those of \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e, a widely used reference species in Ghana\u0026rsquo;s timber industry\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMaterial Harvesting and Conversion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThree (3) trees each of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e were harvested from the Bobiri Forest Reserve and Butterfly Sanctuary, located in the Juaben Municipal and Sekyere-East Districts of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. This area, covering 54.64 km\u0026sup2;, falls within the Moist Semi-Deciduous South-East ecological zone, between latitudes 06\u0026deg;40\u0026prime;N to 06\u0026deg;44\u0026prime;N and longitudes 01\u0026deg;15\u0026prime;W to 01\u0026deg;22\u0026prime;W. Selected trees had a diameter at breast height (DBH) between 80\u0026ndash;120 cm and heights ranging from 20\u0026ndash;45 m.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach tree was felled using a chainsaw and crosscut into three sections; top, middle, and bottom each measuring 2500 mm in length and labeled for easy identification. These sections were further sawn into beams of 2500 \u0026times; 300 \u0026times; 200 mm for ease of transport. The beams were taken to the Forestry Commission Training Center (FCTC) at Akyaakrom, Kumasi and milled into 2500 \u0026times; 300 \u0026times; 50 mm lumber using a 14 HP petrol/5.4 kW electric LT5START Wood-Mizer. Finally, the lumber was transported to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research\u0026ndash;Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG), Fumesua, where they were processed into the required sample sizes for testing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePhysical Properties\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDetermination of moisture content\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA total of 540 samples (20 mm\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e) comprising each 270 samples from bottom, middle, and top sections from each \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e trees respectively, were used for moisture content (MC) and density. Samples were prepared consisting of 45 samples both radially (heartwood and sapwood) and axially of each of the three trees. To prevent rapid moisture loss, the samples were immediately sealed in polythene sheets. MC samples were first weighed using an electronic balance to determine their initial MC. Subsequently, the samples were oven-dried at a temperature of 103\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2\u0026deg;C until they reached a moisture content of 12\u0026ndash;15%, following the EN 13183\u0026ndash;1: 2002 standard. The samples were weighed at six-hour intervals until a constant weight was achieved.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo determine the density, samples were soaked in water for 24 hours to ensure full saturation after initial wet weight. Density was then measured based on the oven-dry mass and swollen volume using the water displacement (immersion) method, as outlined in BS 373:1957. A digital balance with a precision of 0.01 g was used to ascertain the weight of beaker filled with water, which was then zeroed. Each sample was submerged in the water, and the new mass of the beaker, water, and sample was recorded. The increase in weight due to the submerged sample equated to the volume of water displaced, which corresponds numerically (cm\u0026sup3;) to the swollen volume of the sample, assuming the density of water is 1 g/cm\u0026sup3;. Following volume measurement, the samples were oven-dried at a temperature of 103\u0026ndash;105\u0026deg;C until a constant mass was achieved, representing the oven-dry weight. The density of each sample was then recorded in kg/m\u0026sup3; based on the ratio of oven-dry mass to saturated volume. This method provides accurate wood density values, which are critical for understanding mechanical behavior, strength classification, and potential end-use applications (BS 373:1975\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetermination of Mechanical Properties\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe static bending strength of MOR and MOE samples (20 \u0026times; 20 \u0026times; 300 mm), Compression parallel to grain (20 x 20 x 60 mm) and Shear parallel to grain\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e(50 x 50 x 50 mm) was used for the tests. A total of 720 clear, straight and defect free samples of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (360 each), comprised of 120 heartwood and sapwood samples each from the bottom, middle and top sections of the three trees of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e respectively (Shanavas and Kumar \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e; Haman et al. 2020).The test was performed using a three-point bending method, where each specimen was loaded at the center while supported at both ends. An Instron Universal Testing Machine (Inspekt 50\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1) [UTM] was used on test samples in accordance with BS 373:1957. The\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003emaximum load (N/mm\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) operating load cell capacity of the UTM was 30 kN at a speed rate of 10 min/mm (Ohemeng et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). The maximum load that caused the sample to fail or fracture on each sample was recorded (Haman et al. 2020).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMoisture Content\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcross both axial and radial directions, Tree 2 of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e recorded the highest mean moisture content values compared to Trees 1 and 3 (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The mean MC values for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e ranged from 36.86\u0026ndash;39.52%, while \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e ranged from 37.77\u0026ndash;42.17% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Notably, all portions of \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e consistently exhibited higher mean MC values than those of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e. In terms of trend, both species followed the same order: Tree 2\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 3\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 1 (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The overall mean MC across all portions was 38.17% for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and 39.42% for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e, with the later showing slightly higher values (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). These findings align with a study conducted by Appiah-Kubi et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e), they reported that MC values for some lesser-used species (LUS) in Ghana ranged from 16.1% in \u003cem\u003eAntiaris toxicaria\u003c/em\u003e to 51.0% in \u003cem\u003eAlbizia ferruginea\u003c/em\u003e. ANOVA analysis revealed a significant difference (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) between axial and radial directions for both species (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The relatively high MC observed in \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e suggests its potential to develop desirable strength properties for furniture and structural applications. There is high significance between the trees (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, the MC levels recorded for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e are comparable to those of some well-known commercial timber species (WKS), supporting its potential for wider utilization. (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). This study thus provides valuable baseline data on the moisture content characteristics of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e, aiding in its future promotion and application in the timber industry from the post hoc analysis (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eANOVA for moisture content and density of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSource\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDf\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDensity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF \u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP \u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVar. (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF - value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP - value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVar. (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecie Type (ST)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.563\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e154.687\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree Type (TT)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.616\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.262\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.770\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAxial Section (AS)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54.051\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.890\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRadial Section (RS)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.615\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33.901\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.196\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29.258\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.738\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.479\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.883\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.153\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.966\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.871\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.009\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.700\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.091\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.081\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.653\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.521\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.242\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.785\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.139\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.870\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.268\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.282\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.793\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.530\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.416\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.227\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST* TT * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.457\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.633\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.279\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.756\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.282\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.754\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.420\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.243\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.919\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.452\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.155\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.961\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.142\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.967\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.521\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.720\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePost-hoc analysis of moisture content and density for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree Type\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree Axial Section\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDensity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMC\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDensity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.47\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.98a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e715.91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;84.79a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.32a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e672.00\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;82.64a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.11b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e729.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;71.55a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.65b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e707.60\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;38.65a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.06c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e774.98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;95.21b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.35\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.98c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e758.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;38.89b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43.29\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.51a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e743.69\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;70.47a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.10a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e691.36\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;44.15a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40.22\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.60b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e786.72\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;83.02b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.58b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e645.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;23.12a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35.05\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.12c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e782.75\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;51.52b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.53c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e671.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;49.61b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.40a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e804.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;75.25c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.19\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.65a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e640.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;33.08a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.92\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.60b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e811.61\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;72.42c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.17b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e595.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;25.94a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.77c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e841.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;79.18c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.71\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.13c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e667.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;38.44b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDensity\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study revealed that the average density at 12% moisture content (MC) varied along the tree height for both \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003ecylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). In both axial and radial directions, Tree 3 of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e exhibited the highest density compared to Trees 1 and 2, whereas for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e, Tree 1 had the highest density relative to its other trees (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). Overall, \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e demonstrated higher density values than \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The descending order of mean density for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e was Tree 3\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 2\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 1, while for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e, it was Tree 1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 2\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 3 (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) in density between and within the axial and radial directions for both species (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Density, defined as the mass of wood substance per unit volume at a given moisture content (Ohemeng et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e), is strongly correlated with wood physical and mechanical properties (Frodeson et al. 2019). In this study, \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e exhibited densities ranging from 712.1 to 819.5 kg/m\u0026sup3;, indicating a medium-heavy to heavy density classification according to ATIBT (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1990\u003c/span\u003e) and TEDB (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1994\u003c/span\u003e) standards. This aligns with findings that, higher density generally corresponds to greater wood strength (Lemmens et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Appiah-Kubi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). The variation in density within \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e along the tree height concurs with previous research highlighting inconsistent density variation along tree stems (King et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e). The relatively high density of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e suggests it is well-suited for applications requiring resistance to bending stress, such as construction, compared to lower density woods (Hamdan et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). The observed variations in wood density within these species could be attributed to anatomical factors including cell size, wall thickness, earlywood-to-latewood ratio, ray cell number, and vessel element size (Antwi-Boasiako \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, chemical deposits within and between cells, juvenile wood presence, environmental conditions, site factors, climate, geographic location, age, and silvicultural practices may also influence density variation (Ofori et al. 2009; Frodeson et al. 2019; Ohemeng et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eModulus of Rupture (MOR) of\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eand\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe mean MOR values for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e ranged from 105.97 to 117.54 N/mm\u0026sup2;, while \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e recorded lower mean values between 98.59 and 105.13 N/mm\u0026sup2;. Among the trees studied, Tree 3 of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e exhibited the highest MOR in both axial and radial directions compared to Trees 1 and 2 (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). Conversely, Tree 2 of \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e showed the highest MOR relative to its counterparts (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The descending order of mean MOR for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e was Tree 3\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 2\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 1, while for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e, it was Tree 2\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 3 (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The overall average MOR for the three \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e trees was 112.81 N/mm\u0026sup2;, surpassing the \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e average of 101.03 N/mm\u0026sup2; (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eComparatively, Appiah-Kubi et al. (2019) reported significantly lower MOR values for other lesser-known species (LKS), such as \u003cem\u003eAlbizia ferruginea\u003c/em\u003e (29.2 N/mm\u0026sup2;) and \u003cem\u003eCanarium schweinfurthii\u003c/em\u003e (25.2 N/mm\u0026sup2;). While some LKS like \u003cem\u003eSterculia rhinopetala\u003c/em\u003e (63.2 N/mm\u0026sup2;) showed moderate bending strength suitable for medium to heavy structures, \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e demonstrated exceptionally high bending strength, making it a strong substitute for heavy structural applications including timber buildings, bridges, decking, floors, docks, and roofing (Appiah-Kubi et al. 2019) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). ANOVA results indicated a very high significant difference (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) in MOR and MOE between axial and radial directions for both species (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). MOR is recognized as a key indicator of wood strength and its use (Nocetti et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). A noted decline in mean MOR from the bottom to the top sections of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e trees in this study may be attributed to the presence of juvenile wood along the stem height (Ohemeng et al. 2022; Piipanen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, wood from bottom sections of trees tends to have higher density matured wood, which positively influences its strength characteristics (Poorter et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). Based on the MOR results, \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e is suitable for furniture and structural use where high strength is required (Chen et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Mi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eANOVA of MOR and MOE for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e trees\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSource\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edf\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMOE\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMOR\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF \u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP - value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVar. (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF \u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP \u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVar. (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecie Type (ST)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1106\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.618\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e519.922\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.432\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree Type (TT)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37.328\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.098\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72.427\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.175\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAxial Section (AS)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e398.542\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.538\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e704.028\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.673\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRadial Section (RS)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e996.740\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.593\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.019E3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.598\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.581\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.559\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.002\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51.224\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.130\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95.245\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.218\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51.892\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.132\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e185.711\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.214\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.180\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.086\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60.730\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.262\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47.177\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.216\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.062\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.017\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e107.892\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.240\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.367\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e83.347\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.196\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.823\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.136\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.714\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.069\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST* TT * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.458\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.633\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.562\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.111\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.951\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.387\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.788\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.022\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.447\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.116\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.578\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.117\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34.574\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.168\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.400\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.063\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePost-hoc analysis of MOE and MOR for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree types\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree axial sections\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMOE\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMOR\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMOE\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMOR\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8474.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;754.27a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e86.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.52a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8292.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;492.89a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.58a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12400\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1892.98b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e111.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.76b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9616.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;705.95c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e99.86\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.66b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11106\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;745.02c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e120.67\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.53c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9593\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;921.86c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e114.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.30c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9707\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;538.70a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e104.40\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.79d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8362.20\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;598.03a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100.83\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.98d\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10774\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;891.04b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e116.33\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.31e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9494.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;774.15c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e109.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.36e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11411\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;614.30c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e123.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.69f\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9419.30\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;712.58c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e105.21\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.09f\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9263.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;494.06a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e98.49\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.27g\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8809.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;558.97a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90.89\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2.54g\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10834\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;534.98b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e121.88\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.89h\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8422.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;690.73b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.51h\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10713\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;469.92c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e132.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.99z\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8736.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;572.65c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e109.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.36z\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eModulus of Elasticity (MOE)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e followed the order, Tree 1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 2\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 3 for both species (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The average MOE for the three \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e trees was 10,520.32 N/mm\u0026sup2;, while \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e showed a lower average of 8,971.9 N/mm\u0026sup2; (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e exhibited higher MOE values in both axial and radial directions compared to \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e), indicating that \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e strength is comparable to some well-known commercial wood species (WKS), making it a potential alternative for furniture manufacturing. ANOVA analysis confirmed a significant difference (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) between the MOE of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). The MOE values for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e decreased from the top to the bottom of the tree but remained stiffer in the middle and lower sections (Nocetti et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). When compared to other local utility species (LUS) studied by Appiah-Kubi et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e), such as \u003cem\u003eAlbizia ferruginea\u003c/em\u003e [12,619 N/mm\u0026sup2;], Blighia sapida [13,274 N/mm\u0026sup2;], \u003cem\u003eSterculia rhinopetala\u003c/em\u003e [15,552 N/mm\u0026sup2;], and \u003cem\u003eCanarium schweinfurthii\u003c/em\u003e [9,209 N/mm\u0026sup2;]. \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e MOE (10,270.27\u0026ndash;10,660 N/mm\u0026sup2;) is moderately high, while \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (8,656.23\u0026ndash;9,167.53 N/mm\u0026sup2;) is closest to \u003cem\u003eCanarium schweinfurthii\u003c/em\u003e value (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). This suggests \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e is suitable for heavy structural applications. Variations in MOE are likely influenced by genetic factors, density, fiber length, and environmental conditions like temperature and humidity (Ayarkwa, 2009).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompression parallel to grain\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn terms of compressive strength parallel to the grain, Tree 2 of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e exhibited the highest values\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ecompared to its Tree 1 and Tree 3, while Tree 3 of \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e showed the highest strength relative to its other trees (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e). The order of compressive strength for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e was Tree 2\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 3, whereas for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e it was Tree 3\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 2 (Table\u0026nbsp;9). The mean compressive strength across the three \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e trees was 85.54 N/mm\u0026sup2;, surpassing the mean of 79.62 N/mm\u0026sup2; recorded for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e). These results indicate that \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e has a higher compressive strength compared to \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e. Its strength is comparable to some commonly used timber species in furniture production, suggesting its potential as a suitable alternative to enhance timber resources. A significant difference (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) was found between axial and radial directions for both species (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Mean values and post-hoc analysis for compressive strength of both species (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). According Anoop et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e) less endowered timber species requires a study for promotion and utilisation. Within individual trees of both species, compressive strength generally decreased from the bottom to the top sections. This variation may be linked to differences in wood chemical composition, maturity of wood cells, and ecological growing conditions\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eANOVA for compressive strength and shear parallel to the grain of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSource\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDf\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCom//g\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShear//g\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF -value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP \u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVar. (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eF \u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP\u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVar. (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecie Type (ST)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60.009\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e081\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e217.744\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.241\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree Type (TT)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.401\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.034\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.010\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.858\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.060\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAxial Section (AS)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.554\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.029\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.010\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45.906\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.118\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRadial Section (RS)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e199.296\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.226\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e353.965\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.341\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.710\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.019\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.625\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.073\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.008\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.051\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.048\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.009\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.215\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.048\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.073\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.787\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.670\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.038\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.401\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.049\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.014\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.193\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.002\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.024\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.570\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.011\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.013\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.200\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.302\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.231\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.793\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.889\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.412\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT * AS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.802\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.025\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.016\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.147\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.333\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.007\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST* TT * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.876\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.417\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.557\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.211\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.005\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.936\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.393\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.003\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.941\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.020\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.011\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTT * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.702\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.591\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.004\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.067\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.99\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.000\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eST * TT * AS * RS\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.097\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.080\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.012\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.221\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.927\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"8\"\u003eNote: Com//g\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Compression parallel to grain; Shear//g\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Shear parallel to grain.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePost-hoc analysis of compressive and shear strength of \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e species.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree Types\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree Axial Sections\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCom//g\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShear//g\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCom//g\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShear//g\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.74\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.79a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.65\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.89b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78.32\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.91a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.18\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.09b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.27\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.77a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.15a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76.98\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.83a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.92b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.73b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.07\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.79a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82.55\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.91b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.52b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e86.53\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.04a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.99\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.49c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.91a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.43c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e87.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;12.64a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23.51\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.23b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.34\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.79a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.77\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.32c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e89.39\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.20b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.68a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80.95\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.41b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.29b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree 3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTop\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.42\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.31a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.82\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.16b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79.79\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.03a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.56\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.83b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80.57\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.78b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.93\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.70a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80.06\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;11.19a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.96\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.75c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottom\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85.48\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.15c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26.62\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.82a\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.68\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.37b\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.78\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3.20c\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eShear parallel to grain\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor shear strength parallel to the grain, Tree 1 of both \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e recorded the highest values compared to their respective Trees 2 and 3 in both axial and radial directions (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). Specifically, for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e, the shear strength order was Tree 1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 3\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 2, while for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e it was Tree 3\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 1\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;Tree 2 (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e). The mean shear strength for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e was 24.32 N/mm\u0026sup2;, surpassing \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e mean of 19.92 N/mm\u0026sup2; (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). Overall, \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e exhibited higher average shear strength than \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e). A significant\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003edifference (p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) was observed between axial and radial directions for both species, supported by mean values and post-hoc analysis (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Shear strength is critical for timber\u0026rsquo;s structural performance, especially in joinery. Variation in shear strength was noted within both species along the tree height, with the bottom portion showing the highest values, followed by the middle and top portions (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). These differences likely result from morphological variability, heterogeneous wood structure, density, and climatic influences typical of tropical species.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"CONCULSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study reveals that \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e exhibits moisture content, density, and mechanical properties specifically, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE), that are comparable to or exceed those of the widely used \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e. These findings highlight \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e as a promising alternative timber species for furniture manufacturing, construction, and structural applications. Introducing \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e into commercial use not only offers a viable substitute to traditional hardwoods but also contributes to sustainable forest management by promoting species diversification and reducing pressure on overexploited timber resources\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003enovelty (newness)\u003c/strong\u003e of the research topic lies in several key aspects:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" type=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUnderexplored Timber Species:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e is not widely studied or commercially used compared to well-known species like \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e. Evaluating its properties fills a knowledge gap about an underutilized species.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eComparative Analysis:\u003cbr\u003eDirectly comparing \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e with an established hardwood species (\u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e) in terms of physical and mechanical properties provides new, practical data that can guide industry decisions on timber selection.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eApplication Focus:\u003cbr\u003eThe study emphasizes real-world applications such as furniture and construction, offering insights into the feasibility of using \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e in these sectors which hasn\u0026apos;t been extensively documented before.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSustainability Angle:\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;By identifying an alternative timber that matches or exceeds the qualities of commonly used wood, this research promotes species diversification. This contributes to sustainable forest management, addressing environmental concerns linked to overharvesting traditional timber species. So, the newness comes from investigating and validating an alternative, lesser-known timber species with potential commercial and environmental benefits, backed by comparative strength data that support its practical use.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eContribution of AuthorsState what each other\u0026rsquo;s did in the work,DDD, KA Samples collection and preparation, testing of samples, wrote the main manuscript text, prepared figuresEAK, MAM, Data analysis, prepared figures All authors reviewed the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding Declaration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author declares that no specific funding or financial support was received for the preparation of this manuscript. This work is part of the author\u0026rsquo;s Ph.D. thesis and was not supported by any external funding source.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbdolzadeh H, Ebrahimi GH, Layeghi M, Ghassemieh M (2015) Analytical and Experimental Studies on Stress Capacity with Modified Wood Members Under Combined Stresses. Maderas. Ciencia y Tecnologia. 17(2):263 - 276.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnoop EV, Ajaygosh V, Pillai H, Soman S, Sheena VV, Aruna P (2012) Variation in wood anatomical properties of selected indigenous, multipurpose tree species grown in research trials at LRS Thiruvazhamkunnu, Palakkad, Kerala. 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Indian Acad Wood Sci (June 2012) 9(1):23-32. DOI 10.1007/s13196-012-0062-7\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVlosky PR, Aguirre AJ (2001) Increasing marketing opportunities of Lesser-Known wood species and secondary wood. Products in Tropical Central America and Mexico. pp 63.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Lesser-utilized species, Modulus of rupture, Modulus of elasticity, Density","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7380562/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7380562/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIn furniture manufacturing, the mechanical and physical properties of timber play a vital role in determining its strength and suitability for use. This study evaluated these properties in three trees each of \u003cem\u003eZanthoxylum gilletii\u003c/em\u003e (Okuo) and \u003cem\u003eEntandrophragma cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e (Sapele). Samples, free from defects and exhibiting straight grain, were harvested from three stem sections (top, middle, and bottom) at breast height (DBH) of each tree. The moisture content (MC) of heartwood and sapwood for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e ranged between 34.73\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3% and 43.29\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4%, while \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e ranged from 38.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3% to 45.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4%. Density values for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e varied from 715.91\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8 to 841.94\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;79.1 kg/m\u0026sup3;, compared to 640.04\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;33.1 to 758.46\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;38.9 kg/m\u0026sup3; for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e. At 12% moisture content, the mean modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) for \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e ranged from 86.08\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.52 to 132.25\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4 N/mm\u0026sup2; and 8,474.10\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;754.3 to 9,263.80\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;494.1 N/mm\u0026sup2;, respectively. Corresponding values for \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e ranged from 84.15\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;2 to 109.50\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;3 N/mm\u0026sup2; (MOR) and 8,292.90\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;492.9 to 9,616.70\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;705.9 N/mm\u0026sup2; (MOE). These results suggest that \u003cem\u003eZ. gilletii\u003c/em\u003e demonstrates mechanical properties comparable to or exceeding those of \u003cem\u003eE. cylindricum\u003c/em\u003e, indicating its potential as a viable alternative for furniture, construction, and structural applications\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Zanthoxylum gilletii Wood and Comparative Strength Analysis with Enthandrophragma cylindricum for Furniture Applications","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-10-20 07:47:59","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7380562/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"b7bc0b41-c46f-4aec-ad84-5aa0eb0639e5","owner":[],"postedDate":"October 20th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-19T17:24:45+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-7380562","link":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13196-025-00401-5","journal":{"identity":"journal-of-the-indian-academy-of-wood-science","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Journal of the Indian Academy of Wood Science"},"publishedOn":"2026-01-14 16:29:39","publishedOnDateReadable":"January 14th, 2026"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-10-20 07:47:59","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1007/s13196-025-00401-5","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13196-025-00401-5","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7380562","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7380562","identity":"rs-7380562","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}