Extractive influence on color and natural durability of Jurema-preta

Abstract

Jurema-preta (Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poiret) wood is largely commercialized in the Northeast region, but not always as products with great added value due to disinformation about its potential. The aim of this work was evaluating the influence of longitudinal variation intra species on the natural resistance to the attack of Ganoderma sp. fungi, responsible for white rot, and on wood colorimetry. The species, no matter the tested high in the stem, showed been highly resistant to the fungi in lab tests. However, there was difference between the top wood susceptibility and lower parts, as there was also difference in the wood color, that showed less red hue than the bottom part. Those differences were due to the higher presence of acetone soluble extractives in the heartwood. Polyphenolic compounds have antifungal capacity, affect wood red hue and are soluble to the organic solvent acetone.