Jelutong (tree)
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| Dyera costulata (Miq.) Hook. |
The jelutong (Dyera costulata, syn. D. laxiflora) is a species of tree in the oleander subfamily. It grows to approximately 60 metres (200 ft) tall with diameters of 2 metres (5 to 6 ft), or even to 80 m (260 ft) tall with diameters to 3 m (10 ft)[1], and boles clear and straight for 30 m (90 ft). It grows in Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra and southern Thailand[1]. Its natural distribution is scattered locales in low-elevation tropical evergreen forest.
Jelutong is used for its wood. Although technically a hardwood it has many properties similar to balsa wood. These properties such as the low density, straight grain and fine texture mean it is easy to work with and popular with model makers. The roots are used as a cork substitute.
In addition, jelutong can be tapped for latex and from the 1920s through the 1960s, jelutong latex was an important source of chewing gum.
Jelutong has been traditionally overharvested, and is a threatened species in many areas. However, due to its quick growth, hardy survival, and strong replanting efforts, its extinction is unlikely. It is a protected species in parts of Malaysia and Thailand. The tree is grown commercially for timber.
Sawdust from this species has been known to cause allergic dermatitis.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Middleton, D.J. Apocynaceae. In Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak, Volume 5, 2004. Soepadmo, E., Saw, L.G., Chung, R.C.K. eds. Government of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ISBN 983-2181-59-3
[edit] Further reading
- Meding, B., A.T. Karlberg and M. Ahman. (1996). Wood dust from jelutong (Dyera costulata) causes contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis 34(5):349-53.
- Photos of latex harvest
