| Etymology | Genus | Red Shorea |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Large wing | |
| Family | Dipterocarpaceae | |
| Synonyms | Shorea macroptera Dyer | |
| Common Names | Melantai | |
| Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
| Form | Tree | |
| Native Distribution | Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Singapore, Borneo | |
Diagnostics:
The wings of the fruit extend all the way to the base, where each has a conspicuous lobe. This lobed or auriculate wing is diagnositic for the species (Symington, 2007). Other distinctive features include a smooth bole, red layer under the outer bark and leathery oblong leaves.
Interesting Facts:
Melantai is classified as a "light red meranti" timber in the industry. The bark was used traditionally on the walls and floors of native huts (Symington, 2007).
A large specium, taken in 2014, Singapore Botanic Gardens, was removed due to internal decay.
Leaf.
Fruits. Note the lobed based of each wing.
A fruiting canopy.
References
Symington CF. (2007) Foresters' Manual of Dipterocarps. Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Malaysian Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. 519 pp.
<Author: Siyang
Posted: 2025-06-28 / Modified: 2025-06-29