Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Order: Ericales
- Family: Sapotaceae
- Genus: Palaquium
- Species: Palaquium calophyllum (Miq.) Burck
Description
Palaquium calophyllum is an evergreen tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. Mature individuals typically attain heights ranging from 20 to 30 m, with a straight bole that may be buttressed in older trees. Leaves are simple, alternate, and broadly elliptic to oblong, exhibiting a glossy dark green adaxial surface and a lighter underside; leaf dimensions commonly fall within 10–20 cm in length. The species produces small, fragrant, bisexual flowers arranged in axillary or terminal inflorescences. Flowers possess a calyx of several lobes and a corolla of typically five white to cream petals. Fruit are fleshy drupes, spherical to ovoid, turning from green to reddish or purplish upon maturation; each contains a single seed surrounded by a thin aril.
Distribution and Habitat
Palaquium calophyllum is native to tropical Southeast Asia. Its documented range includes the islands of Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and the Philippines. The species occurs in lowland dipterocarp forests, swamp forests, and occasionally in hill forests up to elevations of about 600 m. It prefers well‑drained, fertile soils but can also be found on peat substrates in swampy locales.
Ecology
As a component of primary rainforest canopies, P. calophyllum contributes to forest structure and provides resources for frugivorous birds and mammals that disperse its seeds. The tree’s latex, typical of many Sapotaceae, is exuded when the bark is damaged, although the latex of this species is not known to be harvested commercially.
Uses
The wood of Palaquium calophyllum is relatively hard, dense, and has a fine texture, making it suitable for construction, furniture, and veneer production. In some localities, the timber is traded under generic names for Sapotaceae woods. No significant commercial exploitation of latex or fruit has been reported for this species.
Conservation Status
As of the most recent available data, Palaquium calophyllum has not been evaluated for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Habitat loss due to logging and conversion of lowland forest to agriculture may pose localized threats, but comprehensive population assessments are lacking.
Etymology
The specific epithet “calophyllum” derives from the Greek words kallos (“beautiful”) and phyllon (“leaf”), referring to the species’ conspicuously attractive foliage.
References
- Burck, W. (1884). Flora of the Dutch East Indies.
- The Plant List. Palaquium calophyllum (Miq.) Burck.
- IUCN Red List (current version).
Note: Information presented reflects current scientific literature and taxonomic consensus. Where data are limited or unavailable, statements are qualified accordingly.