A critical aspect of the Sustainable Forest Management scheme is promoting lesser-used timber species in substituting the over-exploited timber species of similar technical characteristics. The study's main objective was to evaluate the technological properties within the tree height of Memecylon lateriflorum (G. Don) Bremek. They were using small clear, defect-free, straight-grained wood samples. Using standardized procedures, the samples were harvested, prepared, and conditioned from the diameter at breast height (DBH), middle, and top portion of the trees. The results indicated that the density of M. lateriflorum was 840 kg/m3, which characterizes it as a high-density wood. The study again revealed a strong correlation (83-99 %) between the woods' densities and mechanical strength characteristics. Also, the overall average tangential and radial shrinkage from green to 12 % moisture content was 9.46% and 6.57%, respectively, whereas that of longitudinal was 0.65%. The mean strength values recorded in N/mm2 at 12% moisture content were: modulus of elasticity (19.724), modulus of rupture (143.00), compression (62.40), shear (20.50), and tensile parallel to grain (149.20). Janka hardness test recorded mean values of 15.70 and 14.30 kN in the radial and tangential directions. Thus, M. lateriflorum could be promoted as an efficient choice for construction and structural applications. Keywords: valorization of wood; physical-mechanical properties; wood quality. Propriedades tecnológicas da madeira de Memecylon lateriflorum: uma espécie madeireira de Gana RESUMO: Um aspecto crítico do Manejo Florestal Sustentável é a promoção de espécies madeireiras menos utilizadas em substituição às espécies madeireiras traidionais. O objetivo principal do estudo foi avaliar as propriedades tecnológicas na altura da árvore de Memecylon lateriflorum (G. Don) Bremek. usando pequenas amostras de madeira clear (grã reta e sem defeitos). As amostras foram colhidas, preparadas e acondicionadas a partir do diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP), porção média e superior das árvores, utilizando procedimentos padronizados. Os resultados indicaram que a densidade de M. lateriflorum foi de 840 kg/m3 o que a caracteriza como uma madeira de alta densidade. O estudo revelou novamente uma forte correlação (83-99%) entre as densidades das madeiras e as características de resistência mecânica. Além disso, a retração tangencial e radial da madeira verde até 12% de umidade foi de 9,46% e 6,57%, respectivamente. A retração longitudinal foi de 0,65%. Os valores médios de resistência registrados em N/mm2 com 12% de umidade foram: módulo de elasticidade (19.724), módulo de ruptura (143), compressão (62,4), cisalhamento (20,5) e tração paralela às fibras (149,2). O ensaio de dureza Janka registrou valores médios de 15,7 e 14,3 kN nas direções radial e tangencial. Assim, M. lateriflorum poderia ter seu uso promovido como uma escolha eficiente para construção e aplicações estruturais. Palavras-chave: valorização da madeira; propriedades físico-mecânicas; qualidade da madeira.

This study provides an overview of the basic characteristics of Robinia pseudoacacia cultivated throughout Europe. After studying the literature, we concluded that air temperature and precipitation amounts significantly influenced the annual ring width of R. pseudoacacia. In addition, the light, water, and nutrient supply affected tree growth by increasing growth intensity, thus reducing vessel diameters and pieces per unit area. Black locust wood grown in Belgium has a higher volumetric shrinkage (16 %) and tangential shrinkage (8.8 %) and a considerably higher modulus of elasticity (15,700 MPa) compared to wood from Poland and Hungary. The vessel diameters measured in the latewood of Robinia wood grown in Hungary (70-140 μm) exceeded those in Greece (24 μm). Knowledge of the mechanical and physical characteristics of new black locust clones wood already in cultivation via breeding is incomplete. The same applies to climate change effects. The review article recommends that future research investigate the basic characteristics of new cultivars planted in different locations.

The influence of growing site conditions on the chromatic properties of heartwood in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) cultivar ‘Nyírségi’ sampled from five regions of Hungary was investigated in this study. A total of 23 boards (average age of trees: 34.5 years) representing four site types were analyzed by instrumental colorimetry using the CIE Lab system. The overall average color coordinates were L* = 69.9 ± 4.0, a* = 4.0 ± 0.8, and b* = 27.4 ± 2.3. Significant chromatic differences were observed among site types proven by statistical analysis; however, no single site type consistently increased within-site color variability. Average total color differences (ΔE*) ranged from 3.94 to 6.31 across site types, corresponding to “noticeable” to “large” visual differences. Regionally, 89.1% of 55 specimen pairs exhibited clearly perceptible color variation (ΔE* > 2), with 61.8% classified as “large” (ΔE* > 5). Within-tree comparisons revealed ΔE* values of 3.72–3.75 under poor site conditions but <2.0 on good growing sites. The a* and b* components appear with measurable variations across all sites, while the characteristic yellow hue remains distinct and stable independent of site origin due to the high b* value.