STRUKTUR ANATOMI DAN KUALITAS SERAT KAYU DAN AKAR GANTUNG BERINGIN (FICUS BENJAMINA LINN.)
ABSTRACT: Beringin (Ficus
benjamina Linn.) is one of typical fast growing tree species which are commonly
found in Indonesia. The trees grow with hanging roots which grow larger and
often can merged with the main stem, then its timber is not optimally utilized.
This paper studies the anatomical structure and fiber quality of main stem and
large, medium, and small diameter of hanging roots of beringin (Ficus benjamina
Linn.) tree. Anatomical structure was observed macroscopically and
microscopically, while fiber dimensions were measured from macerated samples.
The results show that the anatomical structure pattern of the roots is similar
with those of main stem, however the quantity and dimension of anatomical
components of hanging roots are smaller and shorter than components of main
stem. Likewise, the fiber dimensions of roots are shorter and thinner than
those taken from the main stem. Based on fiber dimensions and its derivative
value, beringin wood fibers are classified into class quality II for pulp and
paper. The creamy white color with white streaky figure of beringin wood from
main stem is recommended for indoor decoration products such as wooden venetian
blind, while the small roots are recommended for strap or webbing material
crafts.
KEYWORDS: anatomical
structure, beringin, Ficus benjamina, main stem, roots, utilization
Penulis: Krisdianto, Jamal
Balfas
Kode Jurnal: jppertaniandd160112