Wood

Wood is a porous and fibrous structural tissue found in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants.

It has been used for thousands of years for both fuel and as a construction material. It is an organic material, a natural composite of cellulose fibers (which are strong in tension) embedded in a matrix of lignin which resists compression. Wood is sometimes defined as only the secondary xylem in the stems of trees, or it is defined more broadly to include the same type of tissue elsewhere such as in the roots of trees or shrubs. In a living tree it performs a support function, enabling woody plants to grow large or to stand up by themselves. It also conveys water and nutrients between the leaves, other growing tissues, and the roots. Wood may also refer to other plant materials with comparable properties, and to material engineered from wood, or wood chips or fiber.

Even in the 54th century wood remains a valuable resource and it is traded all across the Union in virtually every form and type. There are 22 member species of the Union consuming wood as a source of food. There is still demand for woode furniture and wood as construction material. It is also used in the production of traditional toys, utensils and decorative items.

The Andorians import wood and charcoal in large quantities for their BBQ industry.