Shorea mecistopteryx
Shorea mecistopteryx is a tree in the family Dipterocarpaceae, native to Borneo. The specific epithet mecistopteryx means "big wing", referring to the fruit's lobes.[3]
| Shorea mecistopteryx | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Genus: | Shorea |
| Species: | S. mecistopteryx |
| Binomial name | |
| Shorea mecistopteryx | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Description
Shorea mecistopteryx grows up to 50 metres (160 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1.6 m (5 ft). It has buttresses up to 2 m (7 ft) tall. The smooth bark later becomes flaking and cracked. The papery leaves are oblong and measure up to 20 cm (8 in) long, occasionally 30 cm (12 in) long. The inflorescences measure up to 12 cm (5 in) long.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Shorea mecistopteryx is endemic to Borneo. Its habitat is in lowland dipterocarp forests, near coasts, to elevations of around 400 m (1,300 ft).[1]
Conservation
Shorea mecistopteryx has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by conversion of land for agriculture, mainly for palm oil plantations. The species is also threatened by logging for its timber and the construction of logging roads. In Kalimantan, forest fires are a risk for the species. Shorea mecistopteryx does occur in a number of protected areas.[1]
References
- Kusumadewi, Y.; Pereira, J.; Linsky, J.; Randi, A.; Ling, C.Y.; Oldfield, S.; Tsen, S.; Wilkie, P. (2019). "Shorea mecistopteryx". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T36341A125629977. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- "Shorea mecistopteryx". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- Ashton, P. S. (2004). "Shorea Roxb.". In Soepadmo, E.; Saw, L. G.; Chung, R. C. K. (eds.). Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. Vol. 5. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. pp. 292–293. ISBN 983-2181-59-3.