The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the messassa wood Brachystegia spiciformis and Julbernardia globiflora for three types of finishing products for use in the furniture and frames industries. Coating performance was assessed by adhesion strength, impact deformation resistance, abrasiveness, gloss and overall color variation tests based on technical standards. Copal painting application was higher for gloss, adhesion and lower abrasiveness compared to water based and polyurethane. The impact deformation was higher for polyurethane than water-based and copal for both species. The darkening of wood for Brachystegia spiciformis and a slight lightening of wood by Julbernardia globiflora characterize the overall color variation after application of the coating products. According to these results, the varnishes can be used to add value to the messassa wood as a finish in solid wood furniture and frames.

This study assessed the structure and composition of a Miombo woodland stand subjected to selective logging through a forest inventory, measuring all trees with DBH ≥ 10 cm across 34 plots (1 ha each) for diameter, height, stem quality, and health status. The stand had a mean stem density of 255 stems/ha, basal area of 15 m²/ha, above ground biomass of 110 Mg/ha, and total volume of 145 m³/ha. The Fabaceae family, particularly Brachystegia spiciformis, dominated the composition. Diversity indices revealed moderate diversity (Shannon = 2.3, Simpson = 0.8, Pielou = 0.6), with a few dominant species. The diameter distribution followed a reverse J-shaped pattern typical of Miombo woodlands. The study (LevasFlor. (2024). Plano De Maneio Da LevasFlor, LDA) highlighted common features of selectively logged woodlands, including a low occurrence of large-diameter individuals from high-value commercial species, prevalence of disturbance-tolerant species, and limited regeneration for some species. These findings underscore the need for management strategies that balance ecological and socio-economic factors, mitigate logging impacts, promote regeneration, and ensure long-term sustainability. Effective policies are crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity and economic value of Miombo woodlands while addressing climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

This study intended to assess the effect of weather on the air-drying process of messassa wood (Brachystegia spiciformis Benth) in two areas of Mozambique (Machipanda and Beira city). First, the logs were sawn into 27 mm thick boards. Every five days the moisture content of the wood was determined by the control samples. For each region, the drying rate and wood quality post sawing and drying were estimated. The drying time differed between the regions under investigation, with Machipanda revealing the higher value. Messassa wood, which revealed a low drying rate (0.33% U/day), was categorized as slow drying wood. Both regions showed average final moisture content of 15.3% in the boards, with only slight variations in moisture inside the stacks. After outdoor drying, only a few defects were noted and as it was free from tensions, hence it was classified as good quality wood.