COMPARING GROWTH RING FEATURES OF MAHOGANY TREES AT THE FOREST’S EDGE AND IN THE INTERIOR

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth ring features of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) trees at the forest’s edge and in the interior. The results revealed that the trees at the forest’s edge exhibited an increase in the average ring width and density components compared to those in the forest interior. The growth rings were found to exhibit a radial trend, with the width decreasing from the pith towards the 7^th ring (Rings A), then gradually decreasing towards the 20^th ring (Rings B), and finally remaining relatively consistent towards the outer bark (Rings C). Although the specimens from Ring A of trees at the forest’s edge did not exhibit more growth than those of trees in the forest interior, Rings B and C specimens of trees at the forest’s edge had more growth than those in the forest interior. Furthermore, the ring density of Rings A and C specimens of trees at the forest’s edge did not show any significant difference compared to those of trees in the forest interior. Ring B tree specimens at the forest’s edge displayed a higher ring density compared to those in the forest interior.