I planted hundreds of this trees already in many places. May be places like forests recreational park, universities and other government department should start planting this tree or other timber trees. not just for conservation but may be for money in the future. May be universities with forestry faculty must start before too late.

MERBAU (Intsia palembanica)

TRADE NAME

Merbau

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Intsia palembanica Miq.

FAMILY

LEGUMINOSAE

COMMON NAMES

Vesi; V`ula; Tat-talun; Miraboo laut; Miraboo; Marbau; Makhamong; Lumpho; Lumpha; Lum-pho; Go nuoe; Borneo teak; Anglai; Merbau (United Kingdom); Lum-paw (Thailand); Moluccan ironwood (United Kingdom); Merbau (Netherlands); Kalabau (China); Kwila (Australia); Hintsy (Madagascar); Komu (New Caledonia); Kwila (Papua New Guinea); Gonuo (Vietnam); Ipil laut (Philippines); Ipil (Philippines); Merbau (Sarawak); Merbau (Indonesia); Mirabow (Sabah)

SCIENTIFIC NAME SYNONYMS

Afzelia palembanica Baker

DESCRIPTION OF THE TREE

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

It is a medium-sized or large tree up to 50 m tall. The bole is branchless for up to 22 m and up to 150 cm in diameter.

NATURAL HABITAT

Intsia palembanica often occurs near the coast, but it is also found inland, up to 1,000 m of altitude. It is common in lowland forests, in transitional zones behind mangroves.

NATURAL DISTRIBUTION

It is distributed in the Indo-Malayan region, Indonesia, Philippines, and many of the western Pacific islands as well as in Australia.

PLANTATIONS AVAILABLE?

Plantations of "Merbau" are reported.

NON TIMBER USES

Merbatu timber is reported to stain black in presence of iron.