Common Name:

General Information

Dacrydium beccarii is an evergreen shrub or a tree, profusely branched with the branches turned upward, often forming a dense umbrella- or dome-shaped crown; it usually grows from 1 - 20 metres tall but can reach 35 metres[].
This tree is a major source of 'sempilor', a softwood timber, and is harvested from the wild on a commercial basis[].
Despite deforestation in some parts of its range, the extent of occurrence for this species is such that it is unlikely to come close to the thresholds for a threatened category. It is common in several large areas. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

Habitat

Found in a range of habitats, most common on mossy ridges where it is often dominant and also found rising above a low mixed mountain scrub[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	18.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Dacrydium beccari is found at elevations from 600 - 2,500 metres. Within its range, the mean annual temperature is 22.5°c, with an average minimum in the coldest month of 18.3°c. It can withstand occasional short-lived temperatures falling as low as between -1°c and +4.4°C)[]. The mean annual precipitation is around 3,200mm[].
The plant is found in the wild on a range of soils including sandy peat, karst limestone, granite and andesite[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark is used in some villages in the highlands as an insulation material in the walls of round small houses or huts[]

This species is a major source of 'sempilor' timber, the basic description is as follows:-
The heartwood is buff in colour, sometimes with a pink tinge or golden brown; it is not differentiated from the sapwood. The texture is very fine and even; the grain straight. The wood is reputed to be weak; it is light to moderately heavy in weight; it is not durable and is subject to drywood termite attacks. It seasons well without serious degrade; shrinkage is very high; a slight to moderate twisting may occasionally occur. The wood works very easily; it produces a smooth and somewhat lustrous surface; gluing, nailing and peeling properties are satisfactory. A softwood, it should be suitable for decorative works and can be used for panelling, partitioning, veneers, plywood, joinery and furniture making[].
Dacrydium beccarii is locally exploited for timber; the wood is used in building houses and for making drums (New Guinea)[].

Propagation

The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil in a warm greenhouse, though it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long[].

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