Dryobalanops aromatica

Dryobalanops aromatica
Canopy of D. aromatica in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur displaying crown shyness
Conservation status

Critically Endangered  (IUCN 2.3)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Genus: Dryobalanops
Species: D. aromatica
Binomial name
Dryobalanops aromatica
Gaertn.f., nom cons.[2]
Synonyms
  • Dipterocarpus dryobalanops Steud.
  • Dipterocarpus teres Steud.
  • Dryobalanops camphora Colebr.
  • Dryobalanops junghuhnii Becc.
  • Dryobalanops sumatrensis (J.F.Gmel.) Kosterm.
  • Dryobalanops vriesii Becc
  • Pterigium teres Corrêa
  • Shorea camphorifera Roxb.

Dryobalanops aromatica, commonly known as Borneo camphor, camphor tree, Malay camphor, or Sumatran camphor,[3] is a species of plant in the Dipterocarpaceae family. The species name aromatica is derived from Latin (aromaticus = spice-like) and refers to the smell of the dammar (resin). This species was one of the main sources of camphor and attracted early Arab traders to Borneo, at that time being worth more than gold, and used for incense and perfumes.[2]

It is found in Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.

It is a large emergent tree, up to 65 m[2] or even 75 m[4] tall, found in mixed dipterocarp forests on deep humic yellow sandy soils. It is a heavy hardwood sold under the trade names of Kapur. It is recorded from at least two protected areas (Lambir and Gunung Mulu National Parks).

Bergenin, malaysianol A, laevifonol, ampelopsin E, α-viniferin, ε-viniferin and diptoindonesin A can be isolated from the stem bark of D. aromatica.[5]

References

  1. ↑ "Dryobalanops aromatica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2007. International Union for Conservation of Nature. 1998. Retrieved 11 November 2007. Listed as Critically Endangered (CR A1cd+2 cd, B1+2c D v2.3)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Ashton, P. S. (September 2004). "Dryobalanops aromatica Gaertn." (PDF). In Soepadmo, E.; Saw, L. G.; Chung, R. C. K. Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (free online from the publisher, lesser resolution scan PDF versions) 5. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. pp. 129,131. ISBN 983-2181-59-3. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  3. ↑ "Dryobalanops aromatica (Sumatra Camphor)". ZipCodeZoo. ZipCodeZoo. 7 February 2009. Retrieved 19 February 2010.
  4. ↑ Carder, A. 2005: Giant Trees of Western America and The World. Harbour Publishing, Madeira Park, Canada. ISBN 978-1-55017-363-5
  5. ↑ Wibowo, A.; Ahmat, N.; Hamzah, A. S.; Sufian, A. S.; Ismail, N. H.; Ahmad, R.; Jaafar, F. M.; Takayama, H. (2011). "Malaysianol A, a new trimer resveratrol oligomer from the stem bark of Dryobalanops aromatica". Fitoterapia 82 (4): 676–681. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2011.02.006. PMID 21338657.