Timber properties of lesser known Polyscias fulva (hiern) harms and Allophylus abyssinicus hochst. radlk. from Iringa Tanzania

Two lesser-known and lesser utilized timber species namely Polyscias fulva and Allophyllus abyssinicus from Iringa, Tanzania were studied to determine basic density and some strength properties. Three trees for each species were randomly selected, felled, test sampled prepared and properties tested according to standard methods. Data analysis was conducted employing Microsoft excel computer software where descriptive statistics were computed. Analysis of variation was done to establish relationships existing between density and strength properties. Variation in basic density between trees and t-test was carried out to compare wood properties of the two species. In addition, regression analysis was used to establish the existing relationship. Tests of strength properties on clear specimens showed that on average, the overall strength properties for Polyscias fulva and Allophyllus abyssinicus were comparable respectively to Pinus caribaea and Terminalia superba, the commercially utilized timber species in Tanzania. Further, with exception of compression parallel to grain, the two species were significantly different. There was statistically significant difference within species in basic density and strength properties with exception of modulus of rupture and cleavage strength for Polyscias fulva and work to maximum load, compression parallel to the grain and cleavage for Allophylus abyssinicus. Furthermore, there were direct relationships between basic density and strength properties for the two timber species. While Pinus patula can substitute Polyscias fulva, Terminalia superba can substitute Allophyllus abyssinicus in most of its applications. The two timber species can be used for light construction work, sporting goods and furniture making. Further work on the studied species is required on other strength as well as chemical properties and natural durability. Key words : Density- strength- Terminalia superba - Pinus caribaea – Dabaga - Ulongambi forest