Intra- and Inter-tree Variations in Physico-chemical and Wood Anatomical Features in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit.

Within and among tree variations in physico-chemical and anatomical properties of seed raised plantation wood of Leucaena leucocephala have been investigated. Within tree variation in specific gravity, fibre length and fibre length/diameter ratio were significant due to height. The variation in anatomical properties and ratios in radial direction were non-significant. Within tree variation were significant between bole and twigs. Inter-tree variations for wood anatomical properties were also significant and accounted for genetic variability in trees for wood traits. Site quality also affected anatomical properties and pulping and paper quality ratios significantly. Lignin content (%) significantly varied with reference to height and also shown significant inter-tree variation. Lignin content (%) was significantly positively correlated with fibre wall thickness. Extractives had shown non-significant intra and inter-tree variations. Most of the anatomical characters shown significant positive correlation to each other. Vessel member dimensions shown significant negative correlation with specific gravity.