Shorea
Shorea (pronounced: /ʃɔːˈriːə/) is a genus of about 196 species of mainly rainforest trees in the family Dipterocarpaceae. The genus is named after Sir John Shore, the Governor-General of the British East India Company, 1793–1798.
Etymology
The genus name Shorea is derived from "Sir John Shore" (pronounced: /sɪr dʒɒn ʃɔːr/), who was the Governor-General of the British East India Company from 1793 to 1798. The Latin suffix "-ea" is added to denote "belonging to" or "originating from."
Description
Species of Shorea are evergreen trees that can grow up to 88 meters (289 ft) tall. They are characterized by their leathery leaves and small, fragrant flowers. The wood of Shorea trees is commonly known as Meranti, and is used in the construction and furniture industries.
Species
There are approximately 196 species of Shorea, including:
Distribution and habitat
Shorea species are native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They are predominantly found in tropical rainforest habitats.
Uses
The wood of Shorea trees, known as Meranti, is highly valued for its strength and durability. It is commonly used in construction, furniture making, and shipbuilding. Some species of Shorea also produce a type of resin known as Damar, which is used in varnishes and sealing waxes.
Conservation
Many species of Shorea are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal logging. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these valuable rainforest trees.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Shorea
- Wikipedia's article - Shorea
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