Common Name:

General Information

Lithocarpus melataiensis is an evergreen tree that can grow around 12 - 30 metres tall with a bole 25 - 70cm in diameter[].
The tree is likely to be harvested for its timber along with other members of this genus, and traded under the name 'Empili' or 'Mempening'[, ].
Lithocarpus melataiensis is only known from three collections in one location from Sungai Melatai, Sarawak. It is suspected that the species has experienced population decline due logging activities as the species population and habitat occurs outside the Totally Protected Area in Sarawak. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia (Sarawak)

Habitat

Mixed Dipterocarp forest in hills; at elevations from 300 - 900 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Lithocarpus melataiensis is a plant of the moist tropics, where it is usually found at elevations up to 900 metres[]. The varous species in this genus usually grow in regions where there can be year-round rainfall, generally disliking dry seasons.
In the wild, Lithocarpus species are mainly found in well-drained soils, often growing on slopes. In cultivation they tend to be tolerant of a range of soil textures and to prefer an acid to neutral pH. Young plants usually grow sucessfully in the shade of woodland, but older trees like a more sunny position.

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the seed (or acorn) is a rich source of carbohydrates and would almost certainly have been eaten by traditional peoples, especially in times of shortage. The main disadvantage is that the seed is also likely to contain bitter-tasting, astringent tannins. Traditionally, these tannins would have been largely removed either by leaching the seeds in water or by baking them. The seeds can be eaten raw but would usually be cooked whole or be dried and ground into a powder that can then be used to make a gruel, or as a thickener in soups and stews, or as an additive to flour for making bread, cakes etc[].
The conical acorn is 17 - 20mm x 10 - 15mm, with a thin, hard, bony shell[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark of most species is rich in tannins and can be used as a dye and preservative for ropes etc[].

The wood is likely to be harvested along with other Lithospermum species and traded jointly with them under the name 'Empili' or 'Mempening'[, ]. The following is a general description of mempening wood:-

The heartwood is yellow-brown, red-brown or dark red-brown; it is not always clearly demarcated from the lighter-coloured sapwood. The texture is rather coarse and uneven; the grain fairly straight but sometimes interlocked; there is a true oak-line silver figure prominent on the radial surface. The wood is strong to very strong; hard to very hard; moderately heavy to heavy; moderately durable under exposed conditions and very difficult to treat. It seasons fairly slowly, without any defects except for some staining, slight bowing and end-checking; shrinkage is high. It is easy to saw when green, but slightly difficult to work when dried; planing is easy and the planed surface is smooth; turned wood has a rough surface when finished. Nailing properties are poor.
A medium hardwood, it is suitable for medium to heavy construction under cover and with protection from termite attacks; when well seasoned it can be used for furniture making, interior finishing, panelling, parquet flooring, decorative veneers etc[].

Propagation

Seed - it quickly loses viability if it is allowed to dry out. It can be stored moist and cool, but is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a nursery seed bed, though it must be protected from mice, squirrels etc. Small quantities of seed can be sown in deep pots in a cold frame. Plants produce a deep taproot and need to be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible, in fact seed sown in situ will produce the best trees[]. Trees should not be left in a nursery bed for more than 2 growing seasons without being moved or they will transplant very badly.

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