Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design, IIUM

Kulim; Bawang Hutan

Botanical Name: Scorodocarpus Borneensis  

Genus: Scorodocarpus

Family: Olacaceae

Native: Selangor & Terengganu

Descriptions

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Kulim (Garlic nut) is a medium hardwood, while the timber is very strong with a strength of group A. The timber is used for a medium type of constructions including posts, beams, joists, rafters and bridges. It is also suitable for a marine type of construction. Similar to Kempas, the treated timber is good for railway sleepers and power-transmission poles.

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It is the native habitat to a terrestrial of mixed dipterocarp rainforests of Malaysia. This evergreen species is claimed to be under the status of endangered species. The common habitat of Kulim would be on slopes and hillside areas. It is propagated from seed and prefers a well-drained soil for a well-growth. Kulim has multi-ethnobotanical values; e.g. edible and medicinal usages.

Interestingly, the whole parts of the tree have an aromatic smell of garlic. The indigenous used the leaves and nuts to add flavour in cooking.

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Bibliography:

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1. Wong, T. M. 1982. A Dictionary of Malaysian Timbers. Revised by Lim, S. C. & Chung, R. C. K. Malayan Forest Records No. 30. Kuala Lumpur: Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 201 pp.

2. https://florafaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg/Special-Pages/plant-detail.aspx?id=4210 [Accessed: 7.8.19]

3. https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/4648 [Accessed: 7.8.19]