White meranti (Shorea assamica philippinensis)
Facts
| Also known as: | Manggasinoro |
|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Theales |
| Family | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Genus | Shorea (1) |
| Size |
Height: up to 30 m (2) Trunk diameter: 1.2 m (2) |
Status
Classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List 2007 (1).
Description
This highly threatened tree is one of over 500 species of dipterocarp, a group of trees which dominate the lowland rainforests of Asia and are valued for their timber (3). The bark of the white meranti is covered with a network of deep long ridges and the leaves are up to 12 centimetres long and 5.5 centimetres wide, tapering to a fairly blunt tip. The petals are white, with a pink base on the inside on the flower (2). The fruits of dipterocarps are single-seeded nuts enclosed in a winged case (3).
Range
Occurs in the Philippines (1).
Habitat
White meranti grows in primary forest at low altitudes (2).
Biology
Information regarding the biology of the white meranti is lacking. Dipterocarp plants are generally pollinated by insects, and the winged nuts suggest that the seeds are dispersed by wind (3).
Threats
The white meranti is considered to be Critically Endangered as a result of logging and slash-and-burn agriculture. The wood of the white meranti is used for furniture, cabinet making, interior finish, veneer, plywood and in boat building (2).
Conservation
There are no specific conservation measures currently known to be in place for the white meranti.
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk
Dipterocarp: Trees of the family Dipterocarpaceae: resinous trees that are found in the old world tropics.
Primary forest: Forest that has remained undisturbed for a long time and has reached a mature condition.
Slash-and-burn: The cutting and burning of forests or woodlands to create space for agriculture or livestock.
References
- IUCN Red List (June, 2007)
http://www.iucnredlist.org - De Guzman, E.D., Umali, R.M. and Sotalbo, E.D. (1986) Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna. Volume 3: Dipterocarps, Non-Dipterocarps. Natural Resources Management Center, Ministry of Natural Resources and University of the Philippines, Philippines.
- Heywood, V.H. (1978) Flowering Plants of the World. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
