Macroscopic Anatomy as a Strategy for Recognizing Commercial Wood from the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Wood anatomical characterization is a key method for species identification and for combating illegal logging. This study aimed to provide a detailed macroscopic anatomical characterization of twelve wood species from the Brazilian Amazon, supporting species identification in forensic analysis and contributing to educational resources in wood anatomy. The samples were collected from a sawmill in Colniza, northern Mato Grosso, Brazil. Three woods were identified at the species level, and nine were identified at the genus level. Cedrela sp., Hymenaea sp., Hymenolobium sp., Handroanthus sp., and Peltogyne sp. presented well-demarcated growth rings. Diffuse porosity was common, except in Cedrela sp. In Manilkara sp., vessels occurred in radial chains, whereas Handroanthus sp. was notable for pore obstructions caused by a yellowish substance. The main parenchyma type was aliform and/or confluent, along with marginal bands. Six species displayed storied rays. Macroscopic analysis proved effective for wood identification, as parenchyma, vessel, and growth-ring features were sufficient to identify these commercial species at the genus level.