The Diversity of Wood and Non-Wood Forest Products: Anatomical, Physical and Chemical Properties, and Potential Applications

• Other Authors: Sousa, Vicelina (Editor), Pereira, Helena (Editor), Quilhó, Teresa (Editor), Miranda, Isabel (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2023
• Subjects: Research & information: general; Biology, life sciences; Forestry & related industries; Calamus zollingeri; Calamus ornatus; dynamic vapor sorption; basic density; volumetric swelling; white rot; mold; Quercus suber L.; seasonal variation; cuticular waxes; leaves; new species; morphology; wood; properties; chemical composition; spectroscopy; chemometrics; unconventional species; Quercus suber; cork borer; cork; phenolics; tropical species; wood anatomy; wood density; wood color; multivariate analysis; species diversity; dark-brown zone; lenticular filling tissue; quantitative anatomical characteristics; Quercus variabilis; reproduction cork; scanning electron microscopy; sclereid; virgin cork; Cytisus scoparius; liquefied; optimization; eco-valorization; agro-industrial residues; Asparagaceae; lignocellulose; crystalline cellulose; syringyl/guaiacyl; anatomy; Tilia amurensis Rupr.; Tilia mandshurica Rupr. & Maxim.; branch; wood properties; papermaking material; tropical timber; color parameters; mid-infrared spectroscopy; FTIR ratios; environmental factors; West African Sahel; Cupressus funebris Endl. wood; wood knots; physical properties; wood color properties; n/a
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

The diversity of wood and non-wood forest products is enormous and reflected in their anatomical, physical and chemical properties as well as their potential applications. Special attention should be given to lesser-known species and even to invasive species, which may be profitable when properly managed, thereby decreasing the overexploitation of threatened species. Besides the market importance of stem wood, other tree components and non-wood forest products, often regarded simply as forest residual materials, are valuable forest resources with various potential applications that can strengthen the circular economy. Assessing the characteristics of these diverse materials, such as their structure and anatomy as well as their physical and chemical properties, is fundamental for evaluating their potential and increasing high-quality end-uses. This knowledge will also contribute to sustainable forest management with enhanced forest diversity and species conservation in addition to the reinforcement of certification and environmental policies.