Longitudinal and Radial Variability of Anatomical Properties, Fiber Morphology, and Mechanical Properties of Fibrovascular Bundle from Indonesian Arenga Longipes Mogea. Sp. Nov Frond

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the physical, anatomical, fiber morphology, as well as mechanical properties of fibrovascular bundle (FVB) from Arenga longipes fronds, based on radial and longitudinal direction. In this research, the fronds were divided into three parts in longitudinal direction (bottom, middle, and upper) sections, three parts in radial direction (outer-convex and concave, as well as middle and inner) zones. The FVB’s anatomical and fiber morphology were observed by light microscope, as well as mechanical properties were tested using the universal testing machine (UTM). The results showed that the longitudinal direction variability had different properties physically particularly in relation to the FVB diameter and density, anatomically in terms of the ratio of vascular tissue area (VTA) to total transverse area (TTA), as well as in the fiber morphology and mechanical properties. Radially, the outer position had a higher value variability of diameter, density, and mechanical properties, compared to the middle and inner zones, respectively. Furthermore, there were relationships between the density and mechanical properties as well as the ratio of VTA to TTA and mechanical properties. Based on the results, the FVB of A. longipes fronds was concluded to possess properties variability in the radial and longitudinal direction.

Keywords

• anatomical properties
• arenga longipes
• fibrovascular bundle
• fronds
• mechanical properties
• sugar palm