dipterocarp

Dipterocarp refers to trees belonging to the family Dipterocarpaceae, a dominant group in tropical Asian rainforests. The family, in the order Malvales, includes about 16 genera and hundreds of species, with Dipterocarpaceae widely distributed across Southeast Asia and into parts of the Indian subcontinent. Dipterocarps are typically evergreen and reach tall heights, often serving as emergent or canopy trees in lowland forests.

Characteristic features include large, buttressed trunks, simple leathery leaves, and small, often inconspicuous flowers arranged in panicles. The fruit is typically winged, earning the name two-winged fruit (from Greek dipteros, "two," and karpos, "fruit"), and seed dispersal is adapted to wind. The most economically important timber comes from several Shorea and Dipterocarpus species.

Ecology and reproduction: Dipterocarps commonly exhibit mast fruiting, with synchronized fruiting events at irregular intervals spanning several years. These mast events lead to pulses of seed production that boost regeneration and support frugivores, while also influencing forest dynamics and timber supply.

Distribution and habitat: They occur primarily in tropical lowland forests of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of the Philippines; some species are found in the Indian subcontinent. They favour humid, warm climates and well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of moisture conditions.

Uses and conservation: Dipterocarps produce valuable hardwoods, such as meranti and keruing, used in furniture, plywood, and construction. They have been subject to extensive logging and habitat loss, leading to declines in many species. Conservation measures include protected areas, sustainable forestry practices, and CITES listings; some species are threatened or endangered and require ongoing management.