dipterocarps

Dipterocarpaceae, commonly known as dipterocarps, is a family of tropical hardwood trees native to the Old World tropics, with a center of diversity in Southeast Asia. The name derives from Greek roots meaning "two-winged fruit," referring to the typical winged seeds of many species.

The family comprises about 16 genera and roughly 600 species. Most dipterocarps occur in tropical Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, with a few species reaching the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions. They are a key component of many lowland and hill forests and are often among the tallest trees in their ecosystems.

Ecologically, dipterocarps are notable for their dominance in rainforest canopies and emergent layers. Many species exhibit mast fruiting, synchronizing heavy fruit production at irregular multi-year intervals, which helps overwhelm seed predators and aids regeneration. Their seeds are typically wind-dispersed through their wing-like structures.

Economically, dipterocarps are important timber trees. The wood, marketed under names such as meranti and balau, is valued for durability, strength, and workability and is widely used in construction, plywood, and furniture. This economic importance underpins extensive logging pressures in many forests.

Conservation concerns center on deforestation, logging, and habitat fragmentation, which have led to declines in many species. Several dipterocarps are listed as threatened or near threatened by the IUCN. Sustainable forestry practices, protected areas, and reforestation efforts are central to the management and preservation of dipterocarp-dominated forests.