Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
Vol 15, No 1 (2026)

Anatomical Characteristics and Fiber Morphology of Palmyra Wood (Borassus Flabellifer L.) Originating from Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province

Rynaldo Davinsy (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Adrin Adrin (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Lora Septrianda Putri (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Melkianus Pobas (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Luisa Moi Manek (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Ni Kade Ayu Dewi Aryani (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Mahardika Putra Purba (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Emi Renoat (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Yudhistira Ardhyana Nugraha Rua Ora (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Ika Kristinawanti (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Kristianto Wibison So (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)
Yakub Benu (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 May 2026

Abstract

Palmyra wood (Borassus flabellifer L) is a widely distributed palm species in tropical Asia, including East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Its wood has potential applications in construction, handicrafts, and bioenergy, making anatomical and fiber morphology studies essential for understanding its value and utilization. This research used palmyra wood samples from Timor Island, Kupang, in the form of discs with a diameter of approximately 30 cm, taken from the base, middle, and upper parts of the stem. Test specimens were prepared in 2 × 2 × 5 cm dimensions, and analyses were conducted following standard procedures. The results revealed that palmyra wood possesses anatomical characteristics typical of palms, namely collateral closed-type vascular bundles irregularly scattered within parenchymatous ground tissue, with phloem located outside the xylem. Fiber morphology exhibited a gradual reduction in dimensions from the base to the tip of the stem, with fiber diameters ranging from 38.48 to 15.64 µm, wall thickness from 17.09 to 6.92 µm, and lumen diameters from 13.02 to 5.42 µm. The number of vascular bundles also decreased from 3.0 at the base to 1.21 at the tip, with bundle density ranging from 0.49 to 0.20/mm². Overall, palmyra wood exhibits stronger mechanical properties at the base of the trunk, as demonstrated by the anatomy and morphology of its fibers, thus increasing its biological durability. These findings highlight its potential as a structural material, craft resource, and bioenergy feedstock in dryland regions such as NTT.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

BIOMEDICH

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

BIOLOGY, MEDICINE, & NATURAL PRODUCT CHEMISTRY, this journal is published to attract and disseminate innovative and expert findings in the fields of plant, animal, and microorganism secondary metabolite, and also the effect of natural product on biological system as a reference source for ...