| |
Ipil
Intsia bijuga
Family Leguminosae
The Ipil tree
grows in mangroves and coastal areas to about 50m tall. It has a strongly
buttressed trunk. Its white and pink flowers develop into oblong,
smooth pods 12-25cm long and containing several bean-like seeds.
Human uses: Its timber, called
'Merbau', is highly valued because it is stronger than teak
and resistant to termites. In the Philippines, Merbau is used
as a standard against which the durability of other timbers are assessed.
Merbau is used where stability and durability are important,
e.g., high-class flooring, furniture, musical instruments. A dye can
be extracted from the wood, the bark and leaves were used in traditional
medicines, and the seeds are said to be edible.
Status and threats: The tree was
so extensively exploited in Southeast Asia for its timber that few
natural stands remain. There have been few attempts in the past to
cultivate it. The Ipil tree is not abundant in Peninsular Malaysia
and is considered rare and endangered in Singapore. It is listed as
threatened in Indonesia, vulnerable in the Philippines and almost
extinct in Sabah. |
|
Flower
and leaves |
|
quick
facts
To about 50m tall. |
