Common Name:

General Information

Sindora siamensis is a deciduous or semievergreen tree with a dense, spreading, umbrella-like crown; it often only grows around 6 - 10 metres tall, though it can grow up to 35 metres or more. In larger specimens the straight, cylindrical bole can be unbranched for up to 15 - 20 metres and 80 - 100cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree yields a valuable timber and so is often harvested from the wild. It also yields tannins, resin and food for local use. Considered, along with Sindora wallichii, to provide the best wood in the genus, though it is not available in large quantities[]. The tree has a beautiful shape and can be grown as an ornamental, shade-providing tree[].
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(1998)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia.

Habitat

Lowland forests[]. A canopy and subcanopy tree in primary forest, remnants of forest with some bamboos, mixed evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, dry deciduous Dipterocarp forests[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Flies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the lowland tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 500 metres. It grows in a seasonal monsoon climate with a mean annual rainfall of 1,000 - 2,000mm or even more, and a dry season of 5 - 6 months[].
Requires a sunny position[]. Deep, sandy, brown soils and grey loamy soils are suited best for this species, though it can even grow on poor and rocky soils[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

The fruits are edible and are chewed as a masticatory, sometimes together with betel nut or sometimes as a substitute[].

The roasted seeds are used to make a tealike drink and is part of some desserts[].

Medicinal

We have no specific information for this species, but the wood oil obtained from various species in this genus can be used to treat skin diseases[].

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannins and can be used for dying and preserving fish nets[, ].
Tthe bark is used to partition walls[].

A wood-oil (resin?) is obtained from the tree. It is used for caulking boats[].
We have no further information for this species, but a resinous wood oil can be obtained from the trunk of all species in this genus. The oil is obtained by making V-cuts in the trunk and up to 10 litres of oil can be obtained from the most productive species. All of the oils have similar properties - they consist of a mixture of sesquiterpenes that are non-drying, limpid, light yellow in colour, homogenous and pleasantly fragrant. The oil serves diverse uses, in perfumes, paints, varnishes, for illumination etc[].

The heartwood is brown or reddish-brown with dark brown or black streaks; the sapwood grey-brown or light brown. The texture is moderate fine and even. The wood is light to moderately heavy, soft to moderately hard, compact, strong, durable and resistant to the attacks of termites and insects. It is easy to work[, , , ]. It develops a beautiful appearance when it has been used for a long time[]. It is used for planking, construction posts, frame work, furniture, ship building etc[, , ].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed -

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