Basic Density of Some Hardwood Species Grown in Malawi

SYNOPSIS Wood density of 18 hardwood species of age 5 to 8 years from nine different sites was evaluated. Average density varied significantly between species and ranged between 300 and 700 kg/m3, Radial wood density showed a general increase from pith outwards. No specific pattern in axial variation was observed, although density values at tree mid-height were generally high in most species. The present study has provided useful additional information for use in species selection for various end-uses in Malawi.