Common Name:

General Information

Dipterocarpus humeratus is a large tree growing up to 59 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 113cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber, which is traded internationally.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia.

Habitat

A canopy or emergent tree in undisturbed mixed dipterocarp forests at elevations up to 600 metres[]. Usually found on hillsides and ridges with sandy to clayey soils. In secondary forests it is usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant tree[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	50.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of the moist, lowland tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 600 metres[].
Young trees grow best in the shade of the forest, but become increasingly light-demanding as they grow larger[].
Members of this genus generally only regenerate naturally in the shade of the forest. Seedlings and saplings can persist in dense forest shade for many years. In their first 2 years the young plants cannot tolerate major openings in the canopy, but after they are well established (about 120cm tall) the canopy can be opened up around them to speed up their growth[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Although we have seen no specific information for this species, all members of this genus contain an oleo-resin in the trunk - though it is not always freely produced and is also not always of good quality[]. The oil is obtained by cutting a hole in the trunk near the base (about 90 - 150cm from the ground) and then dipping out the resin with a spoon as it collects there. To prolong the flow, a fire made from dead leaves or brushwood is made in the hole at intervals - this burns off the dried resinous film and allows the resin to flow again[, ].

Wood[]. No specific information is given, other than to say that it is harvested commercially.

We have no specific information on the wood from this species, but the following general description is for the group of timber trees to which this species belongs:-

The heartwood varies from light to dark red-brown or brown to dark brown, sometimes with a purple tint; usually well defined from the gray or buff sapwood[]. The texture is moderately coarse; grain straight or shallowly interlocked; lustre low; strong resinous odour when freshly cut, without taste. Silica content variable, generally less than 0.5%. The wood generally saws and machines well, particularly when green; blunting of cutters can be moderate to severe due to silica content; it is sometimes difficult to glue; resin adhering to machinery and tools may be troublesome. Resin may also interfere with finishes[]. The durability varies with species, the wood is generally classified as moderately durable, but the heartwood is susceptible to termite attack. Though silica content may be high, resistance to marine borers is erratic[]. The wood is used for general construction work, framework for boats, flooring, pallets, chemical
processing equipment, veneer and plywood, suggested for railroad crossties if treated[].

Propagation

Seed -

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is lesser, 17 or 71?