Contents
Description
Dipterocarpus Turbinatus, commonly known as the Gurjan tree, is a large and majestic tree found in Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family and is known for its durable and high-quality timber. It can grow up to 50 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown in color, while the leaves are simple, ovate, and glossy green in color. The tree produces small, fragrant, white flowers that bloom from April to May, followed by brownish-red fruits that are about 2 cm in size.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Genus | Dipterocarpus |
Appearance
The Dipterocarpus Turbinatus is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 meters tall. Its straight trunk can reach up to 2 meters in diameter, with a smooth, greyish-brown bark. The leaves are simple, ovate, and glossy green in color, with a length of about 10-15 cm and a width of 5-8 cm. The tree produces small, fragrant, white flowers that bloom from April to May, followed by brownish-red fruits that are about 2 cm in size. The wood of Dipterocarpus Turbinatus is durable and high-quality, making it a popular choice for furniture and construction.
Care Guide
The Dipterocarpus Turbinatus is a hardy tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some guidelines to ensure your tree thrives:
- Water: The tree is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6-7.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Dipterocarpus Turbinatus is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dipterocarpus Turbinatus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by the following:
- Termites: Termites can damage the wood of the tree.
- Bark beetles: Bark beetles can infest and damage the tree’s bark.
- Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as root rot can occur in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
The Dipterocarpus Turbinatus is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. It grows in lowland and hill forests, often near rivers and streams. The tree prefers well-draining soil and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the wood of Dipterocarpus Turbinatus durable?
A: Yes, the wood of Dipterocarpus Turbinatus is durable and of high quality, making it a popular choice for furniture and construction.
Q: What is the best soil for Dipterocarpus Turbinatus?
A: The tree prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6-7.
Q: Where is Dipterocarpus Turbinatus native to?
A: Dipterocarpus Turbinatus is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Dipterocarpus Turbinatus?
A: The tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by termites, bark beetles, and fungal diseases such as root rot.
Related Plants
- Dipterocarpus oblongifolius
- Dipterocarpus alatus
- Dipterocarpus grandiflorus
References
- “Dipterocarpus turbinatus.” Useful Tropical Plants. Accessed March 30, 2021. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dipterocarpus+turbinatus.
- “Dipterocarpus turbinatus.” World Agroforestry Centre. Accessed March 30, 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Dipterocarpus_turbinatus.PDF.
- “Dipterocarpus turbinatus.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed March 30, 2021. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:320972-1.
