Shorea sumatrana is a forest tree species belonging to the family Dipterocarpaceae. This large-sized timber tree is widely distributed across Sumatra, Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in the east coast region. Frequently, it grows in low lying swampy habitat along river banks. Shorea sumatrana is locally known as balau sengkawang ayer. In Indonesia, it is called kayu meranti. It has small fragrant flowers with yellow petals and looks beautiful with its pink base. The stem is straight and smooth with small buttresses. The wood is grouped as heavy hardwood. The timber is used for heavy construction, such as housing poles and bridges. The stems produce resin or dammar known as gusi dammar, gummy dammar or cats eye dammar. The resin was traditionally used for making torch and now is used to produce paint, varnish, lacquer, cosmetic and in the pharmaceutical, dental and linoleum industries. It is also used as emulsifier and stabilizer for paint products and printing inks.

During the week of March 11, 2014, flowering and fruiting sengkawang ayer trees can be seen near FRIM’s library, Urban Forestry office (Building D13), and at the Rover Track entrance near the mosque The weather was warm, 26°C to 36°C. Relative humidity 40%-60% and with haze.

Article by Naimah CL, first uploaded on 3 August 2012. The weekly weather was cloudy with no expected rain with temperature was ranging from 24° to 33°C.