The objective of this work was to study the physical properties of wood from Araucaria (Araucaria angustifolia). Parameters included apparent density and dimensional stability of trees at different ages and at different positions along the stem. Data were analyzed as a function of age and height along the tree stem, and then correlated with each other and with other dendrometric variables. A variation was observed in the apparent density between ages, yet it was not possible to determine a variation pattern. A variation was found in the apparent density along the stem, decreasing with increasing heights for all ages. Wood obtained from the lower portion of the stem was more unstable dimensionally. Linear equations are provided of the sum of radial and tangential shrinkage as a function of the apparent density. Equations reveal that more than 40% of the shrinkage was explained by the variation in apparent density.
Dimensional stability; apparent density; wood characterization
