Dryobalanops aromatica

Dryobalanops aromatica, commonly known as Borneo camphor, camphor tree, Malay camphor, or Sumatran camphor,[3] is a species of critically endangered plant in the family Dipterocarpaceae. The species name aromatica is derived from Latin (aromaticus meaning 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]

Dryobalanops aromatica
Canopy of D. aromatica in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur displaying crown shyness
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: 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.

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]

Dryobalanops aromatica is one of several tree species known to exhibit a behavior called crown shyness.

References
  1. Barstow, M.; Randi, A. (2018). "Dryobalanops aromatica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2020.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link) Listed as Critically Endangered (CR A1cd+2 cd, B1+2c D v2.3)
  2. Ashton, P.S. (Sep 2004). "Dryobalanops aromatica Gaertn.". In Soepadmo, E.; Saw, L.G.; Chung, R.C.K. (eds.). 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 978-983-2181-59-0. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2007.
  3. "Dryobalanops aromatica (Sumatra Camphor)". ZipCodeZoo.com. 7 February 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  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.


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