Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design, IIUM
Giam Lintah Bukit Tree
Botanical Name: Hopea Helferi Brandis
Genus: Hopea
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Native: Peninsular Malaysia
Descriptions
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Hopea Helferi is a forest tree species belonging to family Dipterocarpaceae. Its natural habitat is moist forest and along streams and was recorded to be widely distributed throughout India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The species is listed in the IUCN List as critically endangered species. Locally known as Giam Lintah Bukit, the medium-sized tree can grow up to 20 to 37 m tall. Leaves are oblong-lanceolate with no domatia. Leaf base is slightly heart-shaped and often slightly asymmetric. Mature leaves are leathery, dark green and with a dense covering of cream-coloured scales on the underside of the leaves. Its wood is used for light and heavy construction including handicrafts. Houses constructed from it can last for 7 - 8 years, and boats up to 30 years. It is also commonly used to make local carts and cabinets.
As with most Dipterocarps, the species has irregular flowering and fruiting pattern. The tree started to flower in April to July and produces fruits from August to November. The young fruits are green in colour while the matured fruits have dark brown wings. The overall fruit size is in the range of 50 to 61 mm. The seeds are tiny, about 6 to 8 mm diameter and 6 to 11 mm length. A resin obtained from the tree is used locally for making fire torches and is also used in the manufacture of varnish.
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