Influence of carbonization temperature on the anatomical characteristics of Ocotea porosa (Nees & Mart. Ex Nees) L. Barroso

The carbonization process causes different physical and chemical transformations to wood, affecting the final properties of the charcoal produced. In Brazil, the cutting and use of Ocotea porosa (Nees & Mart. Ex Nees) L. Barroso is legally prohibited. But the difficulty of identifying the species used to produce charcoal hinders enforcement efforts to protect this and other endangered tree species. The aim of this work was to characterize the anatomy of charcoal made from O. porosa at different temperatures to provide information to facilitate differentiation of the species by the authorities in charge of suppressing illegal commerce. Samples were carbonized by direct heating and final temperatures of 350, 450 and 650 °C, besides a group under a ramp heating regime also with a final temperature of 450 °C. The qualitative characteristics of the O. porosa wood were preserved at the carbonization temperatures studied permitting the use of its anatomical structures for identification of carbonized wood to support control of the illegal trade in charcoal of this species.