Common Name:

General Information

Dryobalanops lanceolata is a very large tree with a large, globose crown, it has been recorded as growing up to 69 metres tall. The bole can be up to 230cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is a major source of kapur timber and the resin 'Borneo camphor'[]. It is commonly harvested from the wild for local use and for export.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia.

Habitat

An emergent tree in undisturbed, mixed dipterocarp forests, growing on hillsides and ridges with sandy soils; at elevations up to 400 metres[]. Found on fertile, clay-rich soils on basic, volcanics and calcareous shale; elevations up to 700 metres[]

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	58.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Found in the wild on hillsides and ridges, growing in sandy soils[]. Found on fertile, clay-rich soils on basic, volcanics and calcareous shale according to another report[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Borneo camphor has a long history of medicinal use, both the aromatic liquid known as 'oil of camphor' and the crystallised exudate, or true camphor, being employed. A bitter, pungent, stimulant herb, it is analgesic, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic and febrifuge[].
It is used internally to treat conditions such as fainting; convulsions associated with high fever; cholera and pneumonia[].
It is used externally to treat a range of skin conditions, including ulcers, mouth ulcers, abscesses, boils, cold sores and ringworm[]. It is also used to treat rheumatism, sore throats, chest infections and conjunctivitis[].

In aromatherapy, it is used both internally and externally as an antiseptic, sedative and tonic for the heart and adrenal cortex[]. It is particularly valued for skin problems, rheumatism, infectious diseases, depression and convalescence[].

Other Uses

Young trees produce a clear yellow, aromatic resin, known as 'oil of camphor'[]. This sometimes crystallises in cavities in the trunks of older specimens to form true camphor[]. The resin is used for fuel[].
An essential oil is obtained from the camphor. It is used in perfumes with a camphoraceous note[].

The heartwood is reddish brown to pinkish brown; it is clearly demarcated from the 4 - 8cm wide band of whitish to yellowish brown sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain straight or interlocked; there is a strong camphor-like smell when freshly cut. The wood is moderately heavy; soft to moderately hard; moderately durable, being resistant to fungi and dry wood borers, and moderately resistant to termites. It seasons slowly with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is stable in sevice. The wood has a fairly high blunting effect, stellite-tipped and tungsten carbide tools are recommended; it splits easily; nailing and screwing are good, but require pre-boring; gluing is correct, though resin exudation can cause problems. It is used for a wide range of applications including house construction, bridges, boards, heavy carpentry, joinery, panelling, turnery, tool handles and household utensils, boxes and crates[, , ].

Propagation

Seed -

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