Spiral Grain and Wave Phenomena in Wood Formation

Characteristics and Geographical Distribution of Fiddleback Figure in Wood of Acer pseudoplatanus L. in Slovenia

“…Wavy grain in the wood of different tree species is considered to be a desirable "natural defect", as it often greatly enhances the commercial value of the timber. Such grain can be observed locally or over the entire tree stem (Harris, 1989). The distinctive pattern can be observed on the longitudinal radial surface as a series of alternately bright and dark stripes shading into one another and thus producing the illusion of waves (Beals and Davis, 1977).…”

“…Well-developed wavy grain resulting in fi ddleback fi gure is rare in trees of most species (Bucur, 2006;Harris, 1989; Beals and Davis, 1977). Nevertheless, fi ddleback fi gure is frequently observed in maple (Acer), ash (Fraxinus), birch (Betula), and walnut (Juglans) (Harris, 1989;Beals and Davis, 1977;Pillow 1955).…”

“…Well-developed wavy grain resulting in fi ddleback fi gure is rare in trees of most species (Bucur, 2006;Harris, 1989; Beals and Davis, 1977). Nevertheless, fi ddleback fi gure is frequently observed in maple (Acer), ash (Fraxinus), birch (Betula), and walnut (Juglans) (Harris, 1989;Beals and Davis, 1977;Pillow 1955). The beauty of the wavy grain structure is often the most important criterion when selecting among fi ddleback maples, but commercially valuable wood rarely occurs in trees with diameters less than 25 cm (Beals and Davis, 1977).…”

Relationships between anatomical and vibrational properties of wavy sycamore maple

“…texture) and/or by the orientation of "grain" (i.e. orientation of fibres with respect to the trunk axis) such as in interlocked or wavy grain (Beals and Davis 1977;Harris 1989). Wavy or curly figure is highly valued, and maple wood presenting this figure is particularly famous.…”

“…Efforts in reproducing these traits in sycamore maple and other wood species through vegetative propagation have been conducted and are ongoing (Bailey 1948;Ryynänen & Ryynänen 1986;Rohr & Hanus 1987;McKenna et al 2015;Ewald & Naujoks 2015). Regarding the mechanism of formation, the most widely accepted theory states that cambium cells' orientation is the primary factor in the formation of wavy grain (Hejnowicz & Romberger 1973;Savidge & Farrar 1984;Harris 1989). However, it is not fully clear yet how this re-orientation of cambium cells is affected by genetics, as waviness appears to be heritable, and as environment is one of the factors causing its expression (Harris 1989).…”