Properties and potential of Nigerian grown FICUS MUCOSO

In Nigeria, economic tree species in natural forests have suffered progressive depletion from over-exploitation. This necessitates seeking alternatives from lesser-used species (LUS). This book is a study on the wood properties of Ficus mucuso a LUS. The property variations axially and radially within the tree were also presented.Random sampling survey was conducted in Ibadan using structured questionnaire to establish the status of LUS and the species investigated. Five matured trees of Ficus mucuso a LUS were randomly selected and felled from Onigambari Forest Reserve. Samples were obtained at axial heights 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% of tree bole and further partitioned into corewood, middlewood and outerwood. Physical, mechanical, anatomical, chemical and machining properties of the specimens were determined in accordance with ASTM (1991) and BS373 (1983) standard methods. Results showed that Ficus mucuso wood is of low strength when compared with structural grade woods. It may however be utilized for items subjected to low-to-medium load applications such as light cabinet, chair frames, plywood, veneer and composite production.