SafePlants

Shorea: A Genus of Rainforest Giants

The genus Shorea comprises approximately 196-360 species of primarily rainforest trees. These trees are part of the family Dipterocarpaceae and are known for their significant value in timber production and ecological importance in Southeast Asian rainforests.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Shorea
• Family: Dipterocarpaceae
• Named After: Sir John Shore
• Synonyms (for specific species):
  • Shorea cambodiana (synonym for Shorea henryana)
  • Shorea sericeiflora (synonym for Shorea henryana)
  • Shorea longestipulata (synonym for Shorea henryana)
  • Shorea eximia var. angustifolia (synonym for Shorea eximia)
  • Shorea fusca (synonym for Shorea eximia)
  • Shorea rigida (synonym for Shorea eximia)
  • Shorea sericea (synonym for Shorea eximia)
  • Shorea sublacunosa (synonym for Shorea eximia)

Distribution and Habitat

• Shorea trees are predominantly found in Southeast Asia, including:
  • Indonesia (most common)
  • Malaysia
  • South Asia
• They thrive in tropical rainforest environments, particularly in lowland areas.

Ecological Role

• Shorea species are dominant trees in Southeast Asian tropical rainforests.
• They play a crucial role in forest structure and dynamics.

Morphological Characteristics

• Shorea trees are typically tall, reaching up to 30-40 meters in height, with some species growing even taller.
• Some species can grow up to 40 metres tall, with straight, cylindrical boles reaching up to 95cm in diameter.
• Some species have smooth bark when young.
• Leaves are simple, with some species reaching 20cm in length.

Uses

• Shorea wood is a tropical hardwood, often referred to as "meranti" in the timber trade, and is valued for its resin content.
• It is used for various purposes, including:
  • Timber production
  • Garden furniture
  • Construction materials
• The fruit kernel of Shorea robusta, provides sensorial, texturizing, and super fatting properties

Specific Species

• Shorea robusta (Sal Tree):
  • Can be severely affected by root rot fungus in certain areas.
  • Leaves are used for making hats in southern Nepal.
• Shorea macroptera
• Shorea henryana
• Shorea curtisii
• Shorea roxburghii
  • Stem bark is used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant properties.
• Shorea albida
  • Found in tropical peat swamp forests.