Forest Terminology Explained

Glossary

While undertaking research, you or your students may come across some terms that may need explaining, so we have made it easy for you below.

*FURTHER INFORMATION: The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (ABARES) has produced an "Australia's forests and forestry glossary" (2020) found here -
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/forestsaustralia/glossary

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Parasites

Organisms which obtain their nutrients by feeding off other organisms.

Phloem

Part of the plant vascular system where sugars are transported around the parts of a plant.

Photosynthesis

The chemical reaction in green plants that uses carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to produce food (glucose).

Pine

Any member of the genus Pinus. An evergreen coniferous tree.

Pinus radiata

One species of the genus Pinus. A coniferous tree, native to California. The major source of softwood timber grown in Australia.

Plantation

A forest established by man through planting seedlings or seeds of exotic or native species. They are typically characterised by straight lines and even-aged stands of trees.

Post-logging burning

A forest management technique practiced to remove logging debris that could fuel a bushfire. It also stimulates regeneration in the logged area.

Prescribed burning

Similar to hazard reduction burning and controlled burning.

Pruning

This is the technique of removing dead, damaged or excess branches from trees. It is usually done from the base of the tree, and encourage trees to grow straight.

Pulp

Wood fibre processed to make paper. ‘Pulp’ logs are processed into wood chips or pulp for wood based panels, paper and paper products.

Pulpwood

Timber cut and prepared primarily for the manufacture of wood pulp and for further processing to make paper or reconstituted wood product such as fibreboard.