Meranti  (Shorea roxburghii)

Classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Shorea roxburghii is one of the numerous highly-prized dipterocarp species referred to as meranti in the timber trade (2) (3). The Dipterocarpaceae comprises over 500 tree species that dominate south-east Asian forests. Most trees belonging to this family are extremely tall and have buttress roots, supporting a smooth, straight trunk (2). In common with most dipterocarps, Shorea roxburghii is an evergreen canopy species (4).

Shorea roxbughii is native to south-east Asia, where it is known from the following countries: India, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam (1).

This species is usually found on dry sandy soils in evergreen, deciduous or bamboo forest. However, unlike most dipterocarps, Shoera roxburghii is noted for its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions and soil types (1).

Very little is known about the natural history of this meranti species. Although many dipterocarps only flower heavily after intervals of several years, Shorea roxburghii is thought to exhibit a more regular annual flowering cycle (5). Like other dipterocarps it is almost certainly insect pollinated and its seeds are probably dispersed by the wind (2).

Unrestricted exploitation of dipterocarps for their high quality timber has left many species in this family endangered (6).

There are no specific conservation measures in place for Shorea roxburghii but several populations are recorded in forest reserves and there are healthy regenerating populations in the south of India (1).

For further information on the conservation of forests see:

• Global Canopy Programme:
  www.globalcanopy.org