The Tervuren xylarium Wood Density Database (TWDD)

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Forestry
• Botany

Background:

• Wood density is crucial for estimating forest biomass and understanding carbon cycling.
• Existing wood density databases underrepresent tropical regions, particularly Africa.
• This data gap limits comprehensive global ecological and forestry research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Tervuren xylarium Wood Density Database (TWDD) to address the underrepresentation of tropical wood density data.
• To provide a comprehensive dataset for global research on forest ecosystems and plant traits.

Main Methods:

• Compiled 13,332 wood samples from 2,994 species across six continents, with a focus on Africa.
• Included direct measurements of oven-dry, air-dry, green, and basic wood density.
• Estimated basic density for samples lacking direct measurement through conversion from oven-dry density.

Main Results:

• The TWDD contains 13,332 samples from 2,994 species, 1,022 genera, and 156 families.
• It significantly enhances data for Africa, adding 1,164 species, 160 genera, and 8 families new to major databases.
• Provides multiple density measurements (oven-dry, air-dry, green, basic) and estimations.

Conclusions:

• The TWDD is a critical resource for advancing research in forest community dynamics, ecosystem functioning, and carbon cycling.
• It substantially closes the wood density data gap, particularly for African tropical forests.
• Facilitates trait-based ecology and improves global biomass estimations.