Within tree radial and axial variations ofwood basic density and fibre length ofLonchocarpus capassa (Rolfe) wereinvestigated using three mature defect freetrees from Kilosa District, Tanzania.Samples for determination of wood basicdensity and fibre length were collectedfrom the butt, the middle and the tip of thestem height and six radial positions. Woodbasic density and fibre length weredetermined following standard procedures.The average wood basic density and fibrelength were 569.3 kg m-3 and 1.38 mm,respectively. Statistical analysis indicatedthat stem height and radial positions hadsignificant effect on wood density andfibre length. There was no positive linearrelationship between wood basic densityand fibre length. Based on density, thewood of L. capassa is heavy and is moreor less comparable to that of Khayaanthotheca. The two species can thereforebe used exchangeably if wood density isthe only pre-requisite. Normally, heavytimbers are suitable for wood fuel fromtheir high calorific values. The fibres of L.capassa are longer than those of thecommonly used species in pulp and paperproduction in Tanzania, showing thepotential of L. capassa for being used inpulp and paper making
