Identification of Timber species using Anatomical features

Timber is considered to be an ecological friendly building material with less construction energy requirements. Wood anatomy is considered to be a precise and rapid method for wood identification. Present practice of timber identification is mainly based on personnel skills as there is no proper systematic mechanism to identify them. In this research, nine commonly available Eucalyptus species namely; E.grandis, E. microcorys, E.camaldulensis, E.robusta, E. globulus, E. torelliana, E. tereticornis, E. pilularis and E. citriodora were employed in identification of variations in wood anatomical features and distinguishing the species. Identified parameters were then used to construct a Dichotomous Key for Eucalyptus spp. Furthermore, another economically valuable sixteen Sri Lankan timber species were identified by using anatomical features. The findings of the present study would have practical significance as consumers and merchants would be benefited with them. Further researches which could go into Genus level could explore more features of these timber species.