Anatomical assessment of the fibers in the trunk of Alstonia boonei for some derived indexes

Derived anatomical indexes such as Runkel’s ratio, Flexibility coefficient and Felting power / Slenderness ratio of the fibers in the trunk of Alstonia boonei were assessed using standard procedures and formulas. Significant differences (P≤ 0.05) existed in the Runkel’s ratio and Flexibility coefficient of the fibers along the axial position of the trunk, whereas, along the radial position, the differences were not significant (P≤0.05). Conversely, the Felting power/ Slenderness ratio of the fibers along the axial and radial positions of the trunk were not significantly different (P≤0.05) from one another. Totals of 0.65 ± 1.33, 68.32 ± 15.39 and 39.89 ± 15.41 were the Runkel’s ratio, Flexibility coefficient and Felting power/Slenderness ratio of the fibers. In view of the results obtained in the present assessment, assertions confirming the suitability of the trunk of Alstonia boonei as alternative sources of raw material for pulp and paper production were made.