Identification and verification of imported timbers in wood market of Iran; part one: exotic hardwoods

One of the the challenges of lumber traffic is adulteration in wood kind which is widely spread due to the difficulty or impossibility of wood identification –especially exotic hardwoods- at macroscopic level. The other concern regarding luxury and aesthetic wood market in Iran is trading the colorful wood of some endangered and protected trees species like wild Pistachio in the name of imported tropical wood. The aim of this study was to identify different types of luxury hardwoods in the wood market of Iran and validate their corresponding commercial names.

39 different hardwood pieces were collected from Ports and Maritime Organization of Guilan as well as lumberyards, marquetry and wood mosaic workshops in Tehran and Karaj. First, the scientific names of samples corresponding to commercial names were recorded. Cross-sections of woods were sanded and scanned and microscopic slides were prepared. After extracting the anatomical features of samples, genus or species of wood was identified and compared with those claimed by the seller or handicraftsman.

The results showed that 80 percent of hardwood samples were dealt and used in industry by the correct name. Imported hardwoods were mainly of tropical woods which shared many common features (arrangement of axial parenchyma, presence of banded parenchyma, crystals, and storied structure). According to the similarity of key features, the process of discrimination and identification was not easy and fast. Well-known tropical timbers like okoumé, rosewood, African padauk, and sapele were correctly traded. Almost all timers in warehouses were named correctly; however, in retails and small workshops, discrepancy increased. Among collected samples, the most discrepancy was observed in the case of teak and a wood called "fofel". Teak is one of the few tropical woods in the market that has distinct growth ring boundaries and hence, its identification is comparatively easy. Therefore, we conclude that the incorrect naming of teak woods is partly due to the dishonesty of wood sellers. On the other hand, "fofel" is a wrong labeling of Indian rosewood and there are some cheatings regarding this wood due to its popularity in Iran wood market.

The main conclusion of this study is that due to the similarities, distinguishing common decorative woods in Iran market is impossible in terms of macroscopy and merely based on texture and color. Even on the microscopic level, the wood identification is laborious and can be accomplished only by cautiousness. Having said that, the exotic hardwoods in Iran market –especially at wholesales- are relatively in good accordance with their English commercial names and hence, Iran wood market is relatively verified in this aspect. However, due to the existing discrepancies in the case of some popular luxury woods, it is recommended to trade these exotic hardwoods with certificate or verification of wood anatomists.