Wood anatomical identification

Analysis-diagnosis service Natural resources and territories
Carpenters, cabinetmakers, importers, architects, antique dealers, museum curators and other professionals can turn to the wood identification laboratory of the BioWooEB Research Unit to characterise samples, assign a name to a wood species or verify that it corresponds to the expected material. This expertise, based on the identification of the genus and, where possible, the botanical species from wood samples, enables the identification of wood specimens, verification of their conformity and understanding of the technological properties associated with the corresponding genus or species.
Xylothèque BioWooEB, échantillons, plaquettes de bois utilisées pour l'identification anatomique @Patrick Langbour, Cirad

BioWooEB xylotheque, samples, wood chips used for anatomical identification © Patrick Langbour, CIRAD

Expertise in wood species identification

Our approach is based on many years of scientific and technical study of wood species, with a particular focus on tropical timber. It involves several stages :

  • Macroscopic and sensory analysis of the wood: appearance, colour, possible odour, density, which helps guide the identification process;
  • Microscopic analysis of the wood structure using a stereomicroscope and/or microscope to refine identification.

The observed characteristics are then compared with reference materials stored in a xylotheque or with data available in specialised literature or on websites.

Stage Development

TLR9 - Technology Readiness Level

TLR9 - Technology Readiness Level

Our wood expertise

  • Based on more than 35,000 samples, covering 8,000 tropical and temperate species, 2,160 genera and 235 botanical families recorded in CIRAD’s xylotheque, one of the largest in the world;
  • Covers an international sampling: Africa (45.8%), the Americas (34.5%), Asia (13.4%), Oceania (4.4%) and Europe (1.9%), representing a total of 123 tropical and temperate countries;
  • Builds on internationally recognised expertise since 1950, supported by numerous reference publications in wood anatomy;
  • Enables detailed measurements for wood characterisation and mechanical properties using non-destructive methods, including image analysis and near-infrared spectroscopy based on different light or vibrational sources.

Wood identification for a wide range of needs

Carpenters, cabinetmakers, importers, architects, antique dealers, museum curators and other professionals can rely on the wood identification laboratory of the BioWooEB Research Unit to characterise samples, identify wood species or verify their conformity.

  • Identification of wood pieces intended for commercial use (importers, traders, industrial woodworking companies, etc.);
  • Identification of wood for building restoration, works of art, etc.;
  • Expert assessments for legal proceedings.

To benefit from our expertise, consult our laboratory identification pricing and contact us to learn about sample submission procedures.

The research team
The Wood team of the BioWooEB Research Unit specialises in tropical and Mediterranean timber. It supports stakeholders in the wood sector, in France and in producing countries, including forest operators and land managers, primary and secondary processing companies (craft units, SMEs, industrial groups), project owners, project managers, architects, inspection bodies and consulting firms. The team also develops advanced analytical capabilities for wood characterisation and mechanical property assessment using non-destructive methods, including image analysis and near-infrared spectroscopy based on various light or vibrational sources.

References and intellectual property

Normand, D. (1972). Manuel d’identification des bois commerciaux .Tome 1 : Généralités, Centre Technique Forestier Tropical. Nogent sur Marne (France).

Normand, D. et Paquis, J. (1976). Manuel d’identification des bois commerciaux. Tome 2 : Afrique guinéo- congolaise. Centre Technique Forestier Tropical. Nogent sur Marne (France).

Détienne, P., Jacquet, P., Mariaux, A. (1982). Manuel d’identification des bois commerciaux – Tome 3 : Guyane française. Centre technique Forestier Tropical. Nogent sur Marne (France).

Détienne, P. and Jacquet, P. (1983). Atlas d’identification des bois de l’Amazonie et des régions voisines. Centre technique Forestier Tropical. Nogent sur Marne (France).

Louppe D. 2015. Anatomie des bois. In : Mémento du forestier tropical. Mille Gilles (ed.), Louppe Dominique (ed.). Versailles : Ed. Quae, 859-867. ISBN 978-2-7592-2340-4

Gérard, J. (coord  éd), Guibal, D.(auteur), Cerre, J.C. (auteur), Paradis, S. (auteur) avec 40 Auteurs. (2016) Atlas des bois tropicaux Caractéristiques technologiques et utilisations - Éditions Quæ Collection Guide pratique 1000 pages ISBN 978-2-7592-2550-7, référence 02558

Langbour, P. ; Paradis, S. ; Thibaut, B. Description de la xylothèque du Cirad à Montpellier, France, regroupant huit mille espèces identifiées. BOIS & FORETS DES TROPIQUES, [S.l.], v. 339, p. 7-16, avr. 2019. ISSN 1777-5760.

Langbour, P. ; Paradis, S. ; Thibaut, B., 2018, "CIRAD wood collection - Dataset", doi:10.18167/DVN1/CDHU51, CIRAD Dataverse, V3

Schmitz Nele & al. 2020. Overview of current practices in data analysis for wood identification - A guide for the different timber tracking methods. Joensuu : GTTN-European Forest Institute, 143 p.

See also