Definition:
Shorea beccariana is a species of tree within the genus Shorea, part of the family Dipterocarpaceae.
Overview:
Shorea beccariana is a member of the Dipterocarpaceae family, a group of predominantly tropical hardwood trees native to Southeast Asia. Species within the genus Shorea are commonly known as meranti, and many are valued for their timber. The species name "beccariana" likely honors the Italian botanist Odoardo Beccari, a noted contributor to the study of Southeast Asian flora. However, definitive documentation confirming the taxonomic validity and ecological profile of Shorea beccariana is limited.
Etymology/Origin:
The genus name Shorea honors Sir John Shore, a British statesman and Governor-General of India during the late 18th century, who supported botanical research. The specific epithet "beccariana" is likely derived from "Beccari," referring to Odoardo Beccari, a 19th- and early 20th-century botanist renowned for his work in Malesia and New Guinea. This naming convention follows common taxonomic practices of honoring influential botanists.
Characteristics:
Accurate information on the morphology, distribution, and life history of Shorea beccariana is not confirmed. General characteristics of the genus Shorea include large evergreen trees that can reach significant heights, with buttressed trunks, tough leaves, and winged seeds adapted for wind dispersal. Many species require specific forest conditions and exhibit mast fruiting behavior. However, without confirmed taxonomic records or peer-reviewed descriptions specific to Shorea beccariana, detailed characteristics cannot be reliably provided.
Related Topics:
- Dipterocarpaceae – The family of tropical trees dominant in Southeast Asian forests.
- Shorea – A genus comprising over 190 species, many of which are commercially important for timber.
- Tropical rainforest ecology – Shorea species are often keystone components of lowland rainforests.
- Odoardo Beccari – Botanist who contributed significantly to the flora of Southeast Asia.
- Conservation of Dipterocarps – Many Shorea species are threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation.
Note: Shorea beccariana does not appear in major taxonomic databases such as Plants of the World Online (Kew Science) or the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as a currently accepted species. Its validity may require verification through botanical literature or herbarium records.