Variations inwoodanatomy within species of eucalyptus

Abstract

Eucalyptus species are characterised by substantial genetically predetermined within- and between-tree variations in wood anatomical features including fibre and vessel dimensions. This effect of genotype outweighs that of growing conditions; indeed the influence on wood anatomy of rate of growth per se is minor. It must therefore be assumed that the reputed difference in wood quality between regrowth/plantation stands and old growth forests is founded on non-anatomical features, or reflects simply the greater proportion of juvenile wood in smalI, rapidly grown sterns.