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The secrets of these trees: How did the Dipterocarpaceae become a world-class timber resource?
Dipterocarpaceae is a charming plant family with 22 genera and about 695 species of trees that grow mainly in tropical lowland forests. This family has a global distribution, including northern South America, Africa, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, but has the greatest species diversity in Borneo. Not only do these trees play an important role in the ecosystem, they also have a presence in the global timber trade.
"These trees have long been used by humans for construction and manufacturing due to their excellent wood quality, and their contribution cannot be underestimated."
Most Dipterocarpaceae trees are large forest protrusions, usually between 40 and 70 meters in height, with some species even exceeding 80 meters, such as the famous "Menara" tree (Shorea faguetiana), a yellow betel nut tree that is 93 meters high. , grown in Tamrum Valley, Sabah. The tree provides valuable timber, essential oils, resins and plywood and is an integral part of today's timber trade.
Classification and characteristics of Dipterocarpaceae
The name of the family Dipterocarpaceae comes from its representative genus Dipterocarpus. The word is formed from the Greek words for "two" and "wing" and describes the two-winged fruit of the tree in the genus. Classification of this family is generally divided into two subgenres: Dipterocarpoideae and Monotoideae.
"Dipterocarpoideae is the largest subgenre, including 13 genera and about 475 species, with Borneo being its richest region of diversity."
In Dipterocarpoideae, there are two main subfamilies, the first is the Valvate group dominated by Dipterocarpeae, and the second is the Imbricate group dominated by Shoreae. The structure and ecological functions of these trees play an important role in tropical forests and influence the health of the entire ecosystem.
Roles in the ecosystem
Dipterocarpaceae tree species not only provide building materials but are also habitats for many species of flora and fauna. These trees are considered keystone species in native forests of Southeast Asia, influencing the structure and function of entire ecosystems. According to one study, climate change and land cover shifts have significantly impacted the distribution of these tree species.
"The study found that land cover, based only on today's coverage, has reduced species distributions by 67 percent."
This impact is no exception in protected areas, highlighting the need for conservation measures to respond to potential environmental changes. As climate change intensifies, the ecological environment of these tree species has become increasingly fragile. How to effectively maintain these species has become an urgent problem that experts need to solve.
Timber trade and conservation challenges
Due to the high economic value of Dipterocarpaceae trees, illegal logging and habitat conversion are becoming increasingly serious, and some tree species are already facing the crisis of extinction. This has significant consequences for biodiversity and the integrity of the region's ecosystems. Regarding the demand for forest resources, how to seek sustainability will become an important issue.
“As demand for wood rises, ensuring a sustainable future is an ongoing challenge.”
Research shows that management of these precious tree species needs to combine conservation, regulated trade and scientific research to ensure surviving diversity. Stronger regulations, greater public awareness, and financial incentives are key to future conservation efforts, according to experts.
Dipterocarpaceae plays an integral role in the ecosystem, but its future is fraught with challenges. Will these trees be able to adapt and survive in a rapidly changing environment?
