Merchantable Volume and Weights of Mahoe in Puerto Rican Plantations

Mahoe (Hibiscus e/&us SW.), a fast-growing tree whose wood is considered valuable, is planted and managed primarily in the West Indies. Until now, volume and weight tables have not been available for the species. Data used in this paper were collected from 50 felled trees in a range of sizes from plantations across Puerto Rico. Using linear regression techniques, equations were derived to construct tables for merchantable bole volume, with and without bark, and green and dry weights of merchantable boles. A local volume curve is also presented that can be used to estimate merchantable volumes with bark from diameter measurements at breast height. Heartwood diameter can be predicted from inside-bark diameter and height on the stem.