Common Name:

General Information

Dacrydium gibbsiae is an evergreen tree usually growing from 2 - 12 metres tall[].
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[].
Dacrydium gibbsiae is endemic to Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo and occurs almost entirely within the national park. No decline has been noted and although potential hazards such as fires could increase with the rise of tourism, their potential impact on this species is likely to be small as it occurs mostly in a moist, foggy environment. 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 (Sabah)

Habitat

Swampy mossy forest at lower elevations, to high rocky ridges and slopes at higher elevations, growing as a shrub in low vegetation on granite at its highest elevations; at elevations from 1,500 - 3,600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Dacrydium gibbsiae is able to withstand occasional, short-lived temperatures falling to around -1°c and +4.4°c[].
In the wild this tree is mostly restricted to soils derived from serpentine and its ultramafic erosion products where competition from other trees is limited[].
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 of sempilor wood 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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