Eusideroxylon – Wikipedia
**Description and Habitat**:
– Eusideroxylon species are canopy trees with durable and decay-resistant wood.
– Eusideroxylon zwageri is a slow-growing evergreen tree with a straight bole and small buttresses on the trunk.
– Ulin trees can live up to 1,000 years, reaching heights of up to 30 meters.
– Found in valleys, hillsides, and ridges at elevations up to 625m.
– Seedlings require shade, while older trees need light.
– Can have a standing timber volume of up to 112 cubic meters.
**Etymology and Silviculture**:
– Eusideroxylon is derived from Greek words meaning true iron wood.
– Eusideroxylon zwageri has a slow growth rate of 0.058cm per year.
– Unsuitable for large-scale plantations due to slow growth.
– Manual selection of trees in natural forests is common.
**Wood Properties and Usage**:
– Heartwood is light brown, darkening with age, with fine texture and straight grain.
– Wood is dense, resistant to insects, bacteria, fungi, and marine borers.
– Used for furniture, boat building, medicinal purposes, and heavy construction.
– Highly prized for outdoor uses due to its resistance to various attacks.
– Commonly found in docks, boats, industrial flooring, roofing, and tool handles.
**Conservation**:
– Indonesia and Sarawak banned export of the species.
– Illegal smuggling remains a major issue.
– Several countries have banned imports.
– Ongoing conservation efforts are in place.
– Need for increased protection and enforcement.
**Species Information and External Links**:
– Eusideroxylon zwageri is the primary species, formerly known as Potoxylon melagangai.
– Taxonomic placement under Eusideroxylon melagangai.
– Importance in local ecosystems.
– Links to IUCN Red List designation, Plants of the World Online, and Germplasm Resources Information Network data.
– External links for media, additional resources, and detailed information on Wikipedia.