Effect of Planting Distances on Anatomical Characteristics and Juvenile Wood Formation of Bambang Lanang ( Magnolia champaca)

Abstract

Abstract Bambang lanang (Magnolia champaca) wood has been widely cultivated in South Sumatra Province. This study analyzes the anatomical properties and the juvenile-mature wood formations in 12-year-old M. champaca trees grown at different planting distances. Samples were taken from trees planted at distances of 3 m × 3 m, 4 m × 2.5 m, and 6 m × 3 m. Macroscopic and microscopic anatomical features were analyzed, and the juvenile wood formation was assessed based on the radial variation of microfibril angle (MFA), fiber length, and wood density. The results shsowed that planting distance did not substantially affect the general anatomical characteristics, which were consistent across all samples. This may be due to homogenous environmental factors at the study site. Macroscopically, the wood is yellowish-brown with a smooth texture and interlocked grain. Microscopically, it features solitary and multiple radial vessels without tyloses. Crucially, a demarcation point between juvenile and mature wood could not be identified, as key properties like fiber length and MFA had not yet stabilized radially. This indicates that the entire cross-section of the 12-year-old trees consists of juvenile wood, suggesting a longer harvesting rotation is required for applications demanding mature wood.

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