Description and Distribution
– Species: Dyera costulata
– Family: Apocynaceae
– Height: Approximately 60 meters (200 ft)
– Diameter: 2 meters (5 to 6 ft), up to 3 meters (10 ft)
– Natural distribution: Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and southern Thailand
– Scattered locales: Jelutong’s natural distribution is scattered locales in low-elevation tropical evergreen forest
– Habitat: Jelutong grows in Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and southern Thailand
– Elevation: Found in low-elevation tropical evergreen forest
– Synonyms: Also known as Alstonia costulata, Alstonia eximia, Alstonia grandifolia, and Dyera laxiflora
Uses
– Wood: Used for various purposes, popular with model makers and patternmaking trade
– Latex: Jelutong can be tapped for latex, which was once an important source of chewing gum
– Cork substitute: Roots of jelutong are used as a substitute for cork
– Commercial timber: The tree is grown commercially for timber
– Allergic dermatitis: Sawdust from jelutong can cause allergic dermatitis
Threatened Species
– Overharvested: Jelutong has been traditionally overharvested
– Protected species: Jelutong is a protected species in parts of Malaysia and Thailand
– Threatened status: Considered a threatened species in many areas
– Conservation efforts: Conservation measures are in place to protect jelutong
– Commercial cultivation: Commercial cultivation can help reduce pressure on wild populations
References
– International Plant Names Index (IPNI): Provides information on Dyera costulata
– Journal of the Linnean Society: Hooker’s article on Dyera costulata (1882)
– Forest Research Institute Malaysia: Detailed information on Dyera costulata
– Further reading: Meding, Karlberg, and Ahman’s study on wood dust from jelutong causing contact allergy
– Additional references: Can be found in the Wikipedia article on Dyera costulata
IUCN Status
– IUCN status: Listed as IUCN 2.3 Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyera_costulata
