These trees grow outwards by the addition of rings of young wood. A cross-section of these trees shows distinct approximate concentric rings called annular rings. Timber from such trees is mainly used in engineering works.
They are further classified into two types, viz., softwood and hardwood.
(i) Softwood
Softwoods have needle-like leaves and are also known as conifers as they bear cone-shaped fruits. Trees under this group are pines, deodar, spruces, etc.
- The qualities of softwood are:
- Light in weight and colour
- Has straight fibres and is resinous
- Has distinct annular rings
- Is weak and can split easily
(ii) Hardwood
Hardwoods are mostly of broad-leafed trees. They are deciduous trees like teak, sap, etc.
- Qualities of hardwood are:
- Heavy in weight and dark in colour
- Close-grained and non-resinous
- No distinct annular rings
- Strong and durable
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