ABSTRACT
A tree species should ideally exhibit the following characteristics: high growth rate, a variety of reproductive methods, invasiveness and rapid acquisition of biomass. As S. campanulata grows invasively in the humid and semi-humid tropics, it promises, as an indoor insulator, reductions in the use of fossil fuels and hence is a potential carbon sequester. C. odorata rapidly colonizes open areas and has average water requirements in a broad range of humid tropic lowland environments, with annual rainfall range of 640–4000 mm. The tap-root system of C. odorata partly accounts for the facility. Fresh seed germinates erratically; after 6–12 months storage, the germination rate is higher. Rapid fungal disintegration of many woods occurs after absorption of moisture due to enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass, especially in the humid tropics. Humidity therefore affects mechanical efficiency in wood.
