Shorea

Shorea 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. The timber of trees of the genus is sold under the common names lauan, luan, lawaan, meranti, seraya, balau, bangkirai, and Philippine mahogany.

Description

Shorea species grow as trees up to 100 m tall. Some species have additional roots. The fruit is a nut, carried on a long, twisted wing which aids in wind dispersal.

Distribution and habitat

Shorea is a genus of tropical rainforest trees. The greatest diversity of Dipterocarpaceae occurs in Borneo. Some species are distributed across a wide area from India, mainland Southeast Asia to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Philippines, others are confined to small islands, single mountains or small areas.

Uses

Shorea is commercially a very important genus. The woods of the trees are very hard and durable, and are sold under a variety of trade names. In the Philippines, it is known as red or white lauan, or Philippine mahogany. In Indonesia, it is known as meranti, seraya or balau. In Malaysia, it is known as meranti. In India, it is known as sal.

Conservation

Many species of Shorea, including the Philippine Mahogany, are threatened by habitat destruction due to logging and conversion of rainforest to oil palm plantations.

See also

• Dipterocarpaceae
• Philippine Mahogany
• Meranti

References

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