Common Name:

General Information

Dipterocarpus obtusifolius is a deciduous tree with an open, spreading crown; it can grow up to 30 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be unbranched for up to 20 metres and 50 - 80cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber and resin.
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

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

Habitat

A characteristic and frequently gregarious fire-resistant component of the dry Dipterocarp (savannah) forest; rarely found also in Schima-bamboo forests[]. Found at elevations up to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A tree of lowland to submontane regions in the tropics, where it can be fount at elevations of up to 1,300 metres. It grows best in a monsoon climate with a dry season of 3 - 6 months[].
Seedlings require shade but the tree becomes light demanding as it matures[].Grows best in a sandy or grey slightly acidic soil, which can be sometimes inundated in the rainy season[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[].
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[].
Trees can be coppiced[].
Trees have a thick, corky, deeply fissured bark that helps protect them from forest fires[]. They are very resistant to forest fires[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A resin is obtained from the trunk. It is of poor quality, being of low productivity and hardening rapidly[, ]. Used for making torches[]. The resin 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[, ].

The leaves are used to wrap food[].

The heartwood is light red to reddish-brown; it is distinctly demarcated from the brownish sapwood. The wood is heavy, moderately hard, not durable when exposed to the elements. It polishes well, splits easily, but is difficult to work. It is used for general construction, furniture making, plywood etc[, , ].

Propagation

Seed -

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