Light Red Meranti
Shorea quadrinervis

Family: Dipterocarpaceae

What it is like

A medium-sized to occasionally large tree, Shorea quadrinervis is a tree endemic to Borneo that grows about 45 m in height and 140 cm in bole diameter. It is characterized by a hemispherical to oblong crown, and straight, cylindrical, shortbuttressed bole that often branches from fairly low down. It is considered to be an endangered species, threatened by habitat loss. The wood from this species, known as light red meranti, is used for interior and exterior panelling, joinery, light carpentry, boxes and crates, veneer, etc.

Shorea quadrinervis is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Thrips. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 30

Where it is found

A canopy to emergent tree in mixed dipterocarp forest, common on leached, yellow, sandy clay soils on low hills and on skeletal soils on ridges; occasionally to elevations of 700 metres.

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia (the tree is endemic to Borneo).

Conservation Status: Status: Endangered A1cd

Countries/locations it is found in

Malaysia

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Other Uses: The wood from this tree is one of several known as 'light red meranti'. We do not have specific information for this species, but the general description of light red meranti is as follows: The heartwood is light red to pink or pink-brown, with white resin streaks; it is clearly demarcated from the 5 - 8cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is medium; the grain interlocked with a ribbon-like aspect; the surface is lustrous. The wood is light in weight, soft, moderately durable, being resistant to dry wood borers, somewhat resistant to fungi and susceptible to termites. The wood seasons well with a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is stable to moderately stable in service. The wood works well with normal tools, though the tools need to be kept sharp because it has a tendency towards woolliness; it generally finishes fairly well, though filling is recommended; screwing and nailing are good; gluing is correct. The wood is used for several purposes including interior and exterior panelling and joinery, light carpentry, boxes and crates, veneer etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Not known

Propagating it: We have no specific information for this species - the information below is a general guide for the genus. Seed - best sown as soon as possible. It does not require pre-treatment, but it is recommended to soak the seed for 12 hours prior to sowing. The seeds are sown in seedbeds, where they are covered with a mixture of sand and soil (1:1) or with a thin layer of sawdust. Germination of fresh seeds is usually good and rapid. About two weeks after germination, when the seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, they are potted up into individual containers about 15 x 23cm with good drainage holes at their base. It is normally recommended to use a mixture of forest soil and sand (at a ratio of 3:1) as the potting medium in order to introduce the appropriate mycorrhiza to the roots. The seedlings are placed in 50 - 60% sunlight and watered twice daily. Seedlings can be planted out when 30 - 40cm tall - harden the seedlings off in full sunlight for one month prior to planting.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

This name is unresolved.