Dryobalanops fusca

Dryobalanops fusca is a species of plant in the family Dipterocarpaceae. It is native to Borneo.

Dryobalanops fusca
Conservation status
Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Dipterocarpaceae
Genus:	Dryobalanops
Species:	D. fusca
Binomial name
Dryobalanops fusca Slooten[2]

Description

Dryobalanops fusca grows as a tree up to 60 m (200 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m (5 ft). The dark brown bark is flaky. The leathery leaves are lanceolate and measure up to 10 cm (4 in) long and to 4 cm (1.6 in) wide.The inflorescences feature lanceolate flowers.^[3]

Taxonomy

Dryobalanops fusca was first described in 1932 by Dutch botanist Dirk Fok van Slooten in the Bulletin du Jardin Botanique de Buitenzorg.^[2] The type specimen was collected in Kalimantan in Borneo. The specific epithet fusca means 'dark-coloured', referring to the indumentum.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Dryobalanops fusca is endemic to Borneo. Its habitat is in kerangas forests and on beaches and lowland ridges, to elevations of about 200 m (700 ft).^[1]

Conservation

Dryobalanops fusca has been assessed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its habitat is threatened by conversion of land for agriculture and plantations. The species is harvested for its timber. In Kalimantan, it is threatened by forest fires. The species is not known from any protected areas.^[1]

Uses

Dryobalanops fusca is a heavy hardwood sold under the trade name of kapur. The timber is locally used in construction. It is also used in the manufacture of furniture and toys.^[1]