Estimativa de idade das árvores, massa específica e cubagem da casca de Kielmeyera coriacea Mart.

Abstract

The aims were to estimate the age of the trees from native stands of Kielmeyera coriacea, perform rigorous scaling to quantify the percentage of bark, and determine the variation of specific gravity in the longitudinal direction of the trees. For age estimation the samples were obtained at the base of the stem and the crosssections were polished on the transverse surface to highlight the boundaries of the growth rings. The ring widths were measured using specific equipment for dendrochronological studies. To determine the specific gravity, cross-sections were collected along the longitudinal (bottom-up) direction of the stem and the procedures followed the immersion method. The cubing was performed according to the Smalian method. The estimated mean age of Kielmeyera coriacea trees was 21 years, ranging from 10 to 36 years. Mean density of the trees in the longitudinal direction ranged from 0.40 to 0.50 g/cm3. Total bark volume ranged from 51% to 78%.