The surface energy of suberin was determined by four different methods, namely, (i) contact angle measurements, (ii) Wilhelmy plate measurements, (iii) maximum bubble pressure, and (iv) inverse gas chromatography (IGC). The first three methods gave a gamma(sub) value in the range 40-50 mN m(-1) at room temperature. The major component of this value reflects the dispersive contribution. The IGC measurements showed a higher dispersive term, which is common with this method of characterization. The surface acid (A)/base(B) properties were also evaluated, and the results indicated that suberin has an acidic character.