Common Name:

General Information

Shorea balanocarpoides is a tree that can grow up to 40 metres tall. The bole, which is frequently mis-shapen, can be up to 80cm in diameter with stout buttresses up to 100cm high[, ].
The tree is a source of 'yellow meranti' timber and is often harvested from the wild and traded[]. The seeds are harvested for their oil content and are used locally[].
The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

A canopy tree in mixed dipterocarp forest, growing on undulating ground and ridges on clay and sandy clay soils; at elevations up to 700 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	33.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

A fat somewhat similar to Cacao butter (obtained from Theobroma spp.) is obtained from the seeds[, ].

Medicinal

An edible fat obtained from the seed is easily absorbed by the skin. It can be used to treat skin problems and is often used as a carrier to apply other substances to the skin[].

Other Uses

The seeds of many species in this genus, including this species, yield an oil that has an unusually high melting point and is solid at room temperature[, , , ]. Average yields range from 45 - 70% according to species[]. The fat is somewhat similar to Cacao butter (obtained from Theobroma spp.) and can be used in a variety of ways, often combined with cacao butter. In addition to it being edible, it has medicinal uses and can be used in making soap, candles, polishes and cosmetics[, ]. The ellipsoid to obovoid seeds are around 30mm long and 13mm wide[].

The heartwood is a light brown; it is moderately distinct from the lighter coloured sapwood. The texture is moderately coarse but even; the grain is straight to interlocked. The wood is not very durable, and is susceptible to powder-post beetle attacks in the sapwood. It is easy to saw, cross-cut and plane; planed surfaces are smooth to moderately smooth; nailing property ranges from good to poor. The wood is suitable for general utilily purposes, planking, light construction, panelling and partitioning, furniture manufacture, flooring and pallets. It is a popular species for making plywood[].

Propagation

We have no specific information for this species - the information below is a general guide for the genus.

Seed - best sown as soon as possible. It does not require pre-treatment, but it is recommended to soak the seed for 12 hours prior to sowing[]. The seeds are sown in seedbeds, where they are covered with a mixture of sand and soil (1:1) or with a thin layer of sawdust[]. Germination of fresh seeds is usually good and rapid. About two weeks after germination, when the seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, they are potted up into individual containers about 15 x 23cm with good drainage holes at their base[]. It is normally recommended to use a mixture of forest soil and sand (at a ratio of 3:1) as the potting medium in order to introduce the appropriate mycorrhiza to the roots. The seedlings are placed in 50 - 60% sunlight and watered twice daily[].
Seedlings can be planted out when 30 - 40cm tall - harden the seedlings off in full sunlight for one month prior to planting[].

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