Lophopetalum multinervium explained

Lophopetalum multinervium is a tree in the family Celastraceae. The specific epithet multinervium means 'many-veined', referring to the leaves.

Description

Lophopetalum multinervium grows up to 36m (118feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to . The features tall buttresses. The smooth bark is yellow, with . Its leathery leaves are oblong or elliptic or ovate and measure up to long. The multi-coloured flowers are in . The fruits measure up to long.

Distribution and habitat

Lophopetalum multinervium is native to Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Sumatra. Its habitat is mainly in swamp forests, but occasionally in submontane forests to elevations of .

Conservation

Lophopetalum multinervium has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it is threatened by harvesting for its timber and by conversion of its habitat for plantations and agriculture. In West Kalimantan on Borneo, a program has been established to improve the genetic diversity of the species, which has been impacted by logging. Seedlings collected from wild populations are conserved and bred in protected plots.

Uses

Lophopetalum multinervium is extensively harvested for its timber, which is used locally and traded internationally. In Singapore, the species forms part of the diet of local Raffles' banded langurs.