Shorea obtusa
| Shorea obtusa | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Genus: | Shorea |
| Species: | S. obtusa |
| Binomial name | |
| Shorea obtusa Wall | |
Shorea obtusa, a hardwood of commercial importance, under the name "Taengwood ‘Balau’", is a species of tree in the Dipterocarpaceae family. The botanical name Shorea obtusa is not currently recognised,[1] the status of the genus and this species within it are in a state of uncertainty[1][2]
Distribution and habitat
It is found in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
It grows in relatively dry areas, often sharing the same habitat with Dipterocarpus obtusifolius, as well as oaks Quercus kerrii, Q. kingiana, and pines, up to 1,300 m altitude in Thailand. Another description of the habitat is that it grows in the clear forests between 150 and 1,300m[3]
Description
Shorea obtusa is a deciduous tropical tree, some 10-30m tall. It flowers from January to July; the distinctive yellow flowers droop in clusters, with long narrow petals.[4] It grows stunted in savannas.[5]
Names
This tree is known in the Thai language as เต็ง teng, as ngae (แงะ) in the north and as จิก chik in Isaan. In Laos it is called ຈິກ, the same word as in Isaan though with a Lao spelling. In Khmer it is known as phchök(ផ្ចឹក) in Cambodia,[3] and ประจั๊ต pra-chat or ประเจิ๊ก pra-choek in the Surin and Buri Ram areas in Thailand.[6] In other languages it is known as thitya, phchok and chaf.
Uses
As well as an export timber source, the wood is graded as first (highest) category in Cambodia, it is a very hard timber and is used to make columns, bridges, sleepers and in various other construction purposes.[3] Exposed in the open it may last 10–15 years, though if indoors it may last 50–60 years. The resin, from the trunk, is used to make torches, while the bark is part of a malaria remedy. The tree is the most preferred source of firewood in some areas of Kompong Chhnang Province, Cambodia.[7]
References
- 1 2 The Plant List, http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/search?q=shorea
- ↑ Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
- 1 2 3 DY PHON Pauline, 2000, Plants Used In Cambodia, self-published, printed by Imprimerie Olympic, Phnom Penh
- ↑ Gardner, Simon, Pindar Sidisunthorn, and Vilaiwan Anusarnsunthorn. A Field Guide to Forest Trees of Northern Thailand. Bangkok: Kobfai Publishing Project, 2000.
- ↑ Northern Thailand Forest in the decade of 1960
- ↑ Botany - Shorea obtusa
- ↑ San, Vibol; et al. (2012). "'Fuelwood consumption patterns in Chumriey Mountain, Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia'". Energy. 44 (1): 335–46. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2012.06.025.
- Ashton, P. 1998. Shorea obtusa. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 23 August 2007.