Planchonella malaccensis explained

Planchonella malaccensis is a tree in the family Sapotaceae. It is named after Malacca in Peninsular Malaysia.

Description

Planchonella malaccensis grows up to 30m (100feet) tall with a trunk diameter of up to . The flowers are greenish-white and fragrant. The fruits are ellipsoid to roundish and measure up to long.

Distribution and habitat

Planchonella malaccensis is native to southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, the Maluku Islands and New Guinea. Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp forests to elevation. The timber is used locally in furniture-making.

Conservation

Planchonella malaccensis has been assessed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. Its population is declining due to land conversion for palm oil plantations and harvesting of the tree for its timber. The species' presence in protected areas such as Kinabalu Park and Semenggoh Nature Reserve affords a level of protection in Borneo.