Common Name:

General Information

Dacrydium comosum is an evergreen shrub or a tree. When growing on exposed ridges and at higher elevations it is usually a shrub around 2 - 4 metres tall, in more sheltered conditions it can become a tree up to 12 metres tall with a densely branched, umbrella-like crown[].
The tree is harvested from the wild on a commercial basis for its wood according to one report[], though, if used at all, it is only likely to be of local importance[].
Extensive surveys of the flora of Peninsular Malaysia have resulted in the discovery of only five locations of this species. Four of these are situated within areas that have been highly developed for tourism hence there is continuing decline. This restricted occurrence increases the risk of disasters like fire even if the actual rocky localities themselves were not subject to further development. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Peninsular Malaysia

Habitat

Locally dominant on exposed mountain ridges in stunted mossy forest on rocky acidic soil or shallow peat; at elevations from 1,170 - 1,440 metres. Occasional individuals may grow in forest below the ridge and attain tree size to reach the canopy[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

This species is a major source of 'sempilor' timber according to one report[], though other reports suggest that it is a rare, small tree of only local distribution, and is very unlikely to be harvested commercially[]. 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[].

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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