Shorea ferruginea explained

Shorea ferruginea is a tree in the family Dipterocarpaceae, native to Borneo. The specific epithet ferruginea means 'rust-coloured', referring to the leaf when dry.

Description

Shorea ferruginea grows up to 45m (148feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1.60NaN0. It has buttresses up to 3.50NaN0 tall. The initially smooth bark becomes fissured and flaky. The leathery leaves are oblong to ovate or lanceolate and measure up to 15cm (06inches) long. The inflorescences measure up to 22cm (09inches) long and bear up to 14 flowers.

Distribution and habitat

Shorea ferruginea is endemic to Borneo. Its habitat is dipterocarp forests, to elevations of 1100m (3,600feet).

Conservation

Shorea ferruginea has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by conversion of land for intensive agriculture, especially palm oil plantations. It is also threatened by logging for its timber. Coal mining occurs near part of the species' habitat in Kalimantan. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires threatens the species. Shorea ferruginea does occur in a number of protected areas.