Gluta wallichii (Hook.f.) Ding Hou, Blumea 24 (1978)
(named after Nathaniel Wallich [1786-1854], a Danish botanist)Synonyms
Melanorrhoea maingayi Hook.f.
Melanorrhoea wallichii Hook.f.
Melanorrhoea woodsiana Scort. ex King
Swintonia elmeri Merr.
Swintonia obtusifolia Engl.
Description
Emergent tree up to 51 m tall and 109 cm dbh. Stipules absent. Leaves
alternate, simple, penni-veined. Flowers ca. 10 mm in diameter,
white-yellow-pinkish coloured, placed in panicles. Fruits ca. 15 mm long,
reddish, winged nut (wings formed by enlarged sepals).
Ecology
In undisturbed dry or swampy forests, sometimes in peat swamp forest, rarely
on limestone. Growing up to 1000 m altitude, but usually below 500 m. In
secondary forests usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant.
Uses
The timber is regarded of superior quality, but a great objection against
its use is that it retains its renghas-poison for a long time. The fruits are
used to make dart poison.
Distribution
Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.
Local names
Borneo: Rengas; Renghas tjujung; Runggis.
