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Shorea siamensis - Miq.

Common Name Dark red meranti, Light red meranti, Red lauan
Family Dipterocarpaceae
USDA hardiness 10-12
Known Hazards None known
Habitats A canopy tree of dry Dipterocarp forests, especially on skeletal soils and overlying granite; occurring scattered on rocky headlands in Malaya[404 , 451 ].
Range Southeast Asia - Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (4 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Tender Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Shorea siamensis Dark red meranti, Light red meranti, Red lauan


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Shorea siamensis Dark red meranti, Light red meranti, Red lauan
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Summary

Shorea siamensis is a deciduous tree growing up to 30 m in height with a straight and often branchless bole that can be up to 80 cm in diameter. It can be found in Southeast Asia. When fully established, it is tolerant to drought. There is no edible part. Bark decoction is used against dysentery. The tree is a source of red resin which is used for caulking boats. The wood of this species is used for heavy construction, bows, etc.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Shorea siamensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 18 m (59ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Hopea suava Wall. ex A.DC. Pentacme malayana King Pentacme siamensis (Miq.) Kurz Pentacme suavis Wal

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent  Dysentery

The bark is astringent. A decoction is used in the treatment of dysentery[730 ].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Furniture  Resin  Waterproofing  Wood

Other Uses: A red resin is obtained from the tree[506 ]. It is used for caulking boats[730 ]/ The bark contains 9% tannin and the wood 6%. This is regarded as too little to be of commercial importance[404 ]. The heartwood is yellowish-brown turning to brownish-red or dark brown; it is clearly demarcated from the red sapwood[404 , 598 ]. Texture is medium to coarse. In comparison to most other species in this family, the wood is very hard, heavy, strong and very durable[46 , 404 , 451 ]. Graveyard tests have indicated a life of over 270 months for the wood, whilsr untreated sleepers have lasted for 15 years in the ground[404 ]. Sawing and working is rather difficult and the wood is quite tolerant to treatment, however it can take a good polish on a well finished surface[404 ]. It is used for heavy construction[46 , 404 ]. A highly prized wood, it is used for valuable furniture, house and long term construction, bows etc[506 , 598 ]. It is regarded as an excellent wood for sleepers[404 ].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A plant of lowland areas in the moist tropics, it grows at elevations from sea level to over 1,000 metres. It prefers a tropical monsoon climate with a mean annual rainfall of 1,250 - 2,000mm, with a well pronounced wet season and a dry season of up to 6 months[404 , 451 ] Requires a sunny position[404 ]. The plant has adapted to very dry conditions and mainly grows on shallow poor, and rocky sand soils, or on limestone soils with an acid to neutral pH[404 , 598 ]. Established plants are drought tolerant[598 ]. The plant grows in areas that are often subject to forest fires. It has adapted to be able to survive these fires and by the time it is large it is very resistant[404 ]. In areas with high fire frequencies, the species grows shrubby until the root system is vigorous enough to send up a strong terminal shoot, which rapidly develops a thick rough, fire resistant bark at the base[404 ].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

We have no specific information for this species - the information below is a general guide for the genus. Seed - best sown as soon as possible. It does not require pre-treatment, but it is recommended to soak the seed for 12 hours prior to sowing[325 ]. The seeds are sown in seedbeds, where they are covered with a mixture of sand and soil (1:1) or with a thin layer of sawdust[325 ]. Germination of fresh seeds is usually good and rapid. About two weeks after germination, when the seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, they are potted up into individual containers about 15 x 23cm with good drainage holes at their base[325 ]. It is normally recommended to use a mixture of forest soil and sand (at a ratio of 3:1) as the potting medium in order to introduce the appropriate mycorrhiza to the roots. The seedlings are placed in 50 - 60% sunlight and watered twice daily[325 ]. Seedlings can be planted out when 30 - 40cm tall - harden the seedlings off in full sunlight for one month prior to planting[325 ].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TROPICAL ASIA: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia (Perlis)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Status: Lower Risk/least concern

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

Miq.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

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Subject : Shorea siamensis  
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