*Biodiversity of Fabaceae in the Brazilian Amazon and Its Timber Potential for the Future DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110374*

access the canopy of the plant when it develops in the upper canopy of the forest. Some characteristics of the trunk of amazon wood species are illustrated in **Figure 3**. Field identification recognizes the individual at the family, gender or even species level, and may be more accurate with sampling canopy, leaves and/or flowers or fruits. In addition to the knowledge of high-level botanical systematics, new technologies can help in the reliable recognition of species.

The use of wood of the species exploited by this potential is also quite varied, from civil and shipbuilding, carpentry, furniture, tacos, cutlery, adornment objects, and

**Figure 3.** *Aspect of the trunk and bark of Fabaceae species from the Amazon region of wood interest. Photos: Souza LAG.*

numerous other applications. Thus, the main economic product of the Fabaceae of the Amazon is wood, notified by those used for noble purposes.

In the group of species that has been most used for its timber value, those whose uses and mechanical properties have already been investigated are classified, revealing their economic and industrial potential. In the research already carried out, it was


#### **Table 2.**

*General characteristics of wood of economic value and its jobs, for some species of Fabaceae of the Amazon.*

#### *Biodiversity of Fabaceae in the Brazilian Amazon and Its Timber Potential for the Future DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110374*

also found that there is availability of wood-producing species for secondary use, such as firewood and coal, and that they can be used for less noble uses, such as azimbre, plywood, crate, etc. However, the high diversity in species demands the advancement of wood research of those little used by the lack of knowledge of its technological properties.

**Table 2** contains information on some general characteristics of Amazonian tree wood, with information on its current use, among them some of the most valuable. Among them are *Cedrelinga cateniiformis*, *Dalbergia spruceana*, *Dinizia excelsa*, etc., expanding its potential for identification and commercialization in the timber, national and foreign markets. Most of the wood that reaches foreign markets is hard, heavy and resistant, indicating that the density of wood is an important indicator to define its potential for use.
