Palaquium xanthochymum

Palaquium xanthochymum is a tree in the family Sapotaceae. The specific epithet xanthochymum means 'yellow latex'.^[3]

Palaquium xanthochymum
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Sapotaceae
Genus:	Palaquium
Species:	P. xanthochymum
Binomial name
Palaquium xanthochymum (de Vriese) Pierre ex Burck[2]
Synonyms[2]
Croixia xanthochyma (de Vriese) Baehni Dichopsis rubens C.B.Clarke Isonandra xanthochyma de Vriese Palaquium rubens (C.B.Clarke) Engl.

Description

Palaquium xanthochymum grows up to 40 metres (130 ft) tall. The inflorescences bear up to five flowers. The fruits are oblong, up to 3.5 cm (1.4 in) long.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Palaquium xanthochymum is found in Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Java and Borneo.^[1] Its habitat is mixed swamp and dipterocarp forests to 400 m (1,300 ft) altitude.^[3]

Conservation

Palaquium xanthochymum has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is mainly threatened by conversion of its habitat for palm oil plantations. The species' presence in protected areas such as the Central Catchment Nature Reserve in Singapore and Endau-Kota Tinggi (West) Wildlife Reserve in Malaysia affords it a level of protection in these places.^[1]

Uses

Palaquium xanthochymum is harvested for its timber,^[1] which is used locally in boat building.^[3] Oil from the seeds is locally used in cooking.^[1] In Singapore, the species forms part of the diet of local Raffles' banded langurs.^[4]