Dryobalanops aromatica

Dryobalanops aromatica
Canopy of D. aromatica in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur displaying crown shyness
Scientific classification Edit this 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.

Dryobalanops aromatica, commonly known as Borneo camphor, camphor tree, Malay camphor, or Sumatran camphor,[3] is a species of 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]

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.

  1. ^ Barstow, M.; Randi, A. (2018). "Dryobalanops aromatica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T61998024A173026192. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T61998024A173026192.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Ashton was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Zip was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Carder was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference DOI was invoked but never defined (see the help page).