Native Plants

Intsia palembanica

Merbau
NT
Near Threatened
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
ver 3.1, 2021
NE
Not Evaluated
Peninsular Malaysia Plant Red List *
2010
* Assessed according to the IUCN Red List Categories & Criteria Version 3.1
QR Code
SSN 39670
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Taxonomy

  • Kingdom
  • Division
  • Class
  • Order
  • Family
  • Genus
  • Specific Epithet
    palembanica Miq.
  • Synonym
  • Vernacular Name
  • Residential
    Native
The taxonomic status is pending for approval

Description

Merbau (Intsia palembanica) is a slow-growing tree, where it takes up to 80 years for a Merbau to mature. It can grow between 30 to 55 m height with a diameter up to 1.5 meter dbh. 

In Peninsular Malaysia, Merbau occurs generally throughout the country, except Perlis, Langkawi, and Penang. It grows along river valleys, in low hills near streams, and in moist sites on alluvial soil (Wyatt-Smith, 1953).

Merbau is tough and durable. It is used for interior finishing, panelling, strip and parquet flooring, superior joinery, cabinet-making, musical instruments, decorative and novelty items, veneers, and power transmission poles. 

Merbau was inaugurated as the National Tree on August 23, 2019 (Friday) by YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Habits

  Part Habit
 
Terrestrial   —   An animal that lives on/near the ground or a plant that grows on/in/from land

Habitats

No Description Suitability Seasonality
1
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Forest
Unknown Unknown
2
Vegetation → Limestone Vegetation
Unknown Unknown
References : http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes/habitats-classification-scheme-ver3

Assessment

Year Published Assessment Red List Category Version
2021 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Near Threatened (NT)
3.1
2010 Peninsular Malaysia Plant Red List
Not Evaluated (NE)
N/A

Structure

Bark
Color
 
Brown
 
Grey
Bark
Type
Small, thin, often flaking plates. / Covered or partially covered with scales
Scaly
Flat surface lacking in ridges, furrows, and similar features
Smooth
Fruits
Color
 
Black
 
Brown

Biodiversity Experts

Profile
Ahmad Aldrie Amir (Dr.)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • Vascular
  • Biodiversity
  • Climate Change
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Environment
  • Evolution
  • Forest
  • History
  • Law and Policy
  • Management
  • Marine & Coastal
  • Protected Areas
  • Science
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
  • SEA
  • W
Anisah Lee Abdullah (Assoc. Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Coral Reefs
  • Vascular
  • Biodiversity
  • Climate Change
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Environment
  • Geoinformatics
  • Management
  • Marine & Coastal
  • Protected Areas
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Water
  • PM
  • SBH
Asyraf Mansor (Dr.)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Palms
  • Vascular (Ecology)
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Environment
  • Evolution
  • Forest
  • PM
Chan Yoke Mui (Dr.)
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
  • Palms (Ecology)
  • Vascular (Ecology)
  • Conservation
  • Biodiversity
  • Forest
  • Genetics
  • PM
Chong Ju Lian (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
  • Mammals (Ecology)
  • Vascular (Ecology)
  • Invasive Alien Species
  • Protected Areas
  • Digital Sequence Information (DSI)
  • Marine & Coastal
  • Climate Change
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
  • SEA
  • W
Kartini Binti Saibeh (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
  • Vascular
  • Agriculture
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • SBH
Mohamad Azani Alias (Assoc. Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • Vascular (Taxonomy)
  • Vascular
  • Vascular
  • Amphibians
  • Amphibians
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Climate Change
  • Protected Areas
  • Forest
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
  • SEA
Mohd Fahmi Abu Bakar (Ts. Dr.)
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
  • Vascular
  • Digital Sequence Information (DSI)
  • Evolution
  • Genetics
  • Molecular
  • Systematics
  • PM
Mohd Norfaizal Ghazalli (Dr.)
Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI)
  • Vascular
  • Pitcher plants
  • Agriculture
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Science
  • Systematics
  • Taxonomy
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
  • SEA
Nazahatul Anis Amaludin (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
  • Vascular (Ecology)
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • PM
Nor Ezzawanis Abdullah Thani (Mrs.)
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
  • Vascular (Taxonomy)
  • Digital Sequence Information (DSI)
  • PM
Nur Kyariatul Syafinie Abdul Majid (Ms.)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
  • Vascular (Ecology)
  • Biodiversity
  • Climate Change
  • Conservation
  • Forest
  • Protected Areas
  • PM
Nur Supardi Md Noor (Dr.)
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
  • Palms
  • Vascular
  • Biodiversity
  • Climate Change
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Environment
  • Forest
  • Management
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
  • SEA
  • W
Rusea Go (Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
  • Orchids (Taxonomy)
  • Vascular (Taxonomy)
  • Vascular (Ecology)
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • Forest
  • Management
  • Protected Areas
  • Climate Change
  • Invasive Alien Species
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
Tam Sheh May (Dr.)
Taylor's University
  • Orchids
  • Vascular
  • Biodiversity
  • Data Analysis
  • Evolution
  • Genetics
  • Molecular
  • PM
Tan Swee Lian (Dr.)
Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM)
  • Vascular (Ecology)
  • Agriculture
  • Biodiversity
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
Yong Kien Thai (Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
  • Moss
  • Vascular (Taxonomy)
  • Ferns (Taxonomy)
  • Protected Areas
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Evolution
  • Taxonomy
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
  • SEA
PM - Peninsular Malaysia; SBH - Sabah; SWK - Sarawak; SEA - Southeast Asia; W - World;

References

Article
  1. Chua, L.S.L., Chung, R.C.K., Sam, Y.Y., Chan, Y.C., Kamarudin, S., Moorthy, M., Nor-Ezzawanis, A.T., Hamidah, M. & Lau, K.H. (2006). A Checklist of Seed Plants at Gunung Aais Forest Reserve, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Malayan Nature Journal 59 (2), 121-152
  2. Joann Christine, L., Fletcher, C., Salim, H.M.W., Abdul Rahman, K., Harrison, R.D. & Potts, M.D. (2011). Insectivorous bat assemblage in the hill dipterocarp forest of Temengor Forest Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia. Malayan Nature Journal 63 (3), 569-576
  3. Josue, J. & Zamrie, I. (2006). The abrasive resistance of mangrove timber. Sepilok Bulletin. 4, 31-39. http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my/docs/frc/Sepilok%20Bulletin%20Vol.%204.pdf
  4. Khairil, M., Juliana, W.W. & Nizam, M.S. (2014). Edaphic Influences on Trees Species Composition and Community Structure in A Tropical Watershed Forest in Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Tropical Forest Science 26 (2), 284-294
  5. Kochummen, K.M., LaFrankie Jr., J.V. & Manokaran, N. (1990). Floristic Composition of Pasoh Forest Reserve, A Lowland Rain Forest in Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Tropical Forest Science 3 (1), 1-13. http://www.frim.gov.my/v1/jtfsonline/jtfs/v3n1/1-13.pdf
  6. Latiff, A., Faridah-Hanum, I., Zainudin Ibrahim, A., Goh, M.W.K., Loo, A.H.B. & Tan, H.T.W. (1999). On the Vegetation and Flora of Pulau Tioman, Peninsular Malaysia. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplements (6), 11-72
  7. Lee, S.L., Ng, K.K.S., Saw, L.G., Norwati, A., Siti Salwana, H., Lee, C.T. & Norwati, M. (2002). Population genetics of Intsia palembanica (Leguminosae) and genetic conservation of Virgin Jungle Reserves in Peninsular Malaysia. American Journal of Botany 89 (3), 447-459. https://bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3732/ajb.89.3.447 — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
  8. Lim, C.L., Siti Munirah, M.Y. & Kiew, R. (2009). Botany of the Berembun Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Malayan Nature Journal 61 (2), 143-189. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chung_Lim4/publication/260079848_Botany_of_the_Berembun_Forest_Reserve_Negeri_Sembilan_Malaysia/links/5539afe80cf226723aba323a.pdf
  9. Sadeghi, M.E., Faridah-Hanum, I., Wan Razali, W.M., Kamziah, A.K. & Hakeem, K.R. (2014). Tree Composition and Diversity of a Hill Dipterocarp Forest after Logging. 66 (4), 1-15
  10. Watling, R. & Lee, S.S. (1995). Ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with members of the Dipterocarpaceae in Peninsular Malaysia-I. Journal of Tropical Forest Science 7 (4), 657-669
  11. Yamada, T., Watanabe, K., Okuda, T., Sugimoto, T. & Noor Azlin, Y. (2016). Growth and Survival of Trees Planted in an Oil Palm Plantation: Implications for Restoration of Biodiversity. Journal of Tropical Forest Science 28 (1), 97-105
Book
  1. Abd. Latif, M., Awang, M.R., Mohti, A., Zawiah, N., Nordahlia, A.S., Norain, M.A & Liza, I (2020). Flora Mercu Tanda Negeri-negeri Di Malaysia. Institut Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia.
  2. Abd. Latif, M., Mohti, A., Samsudin, M. & Parlan, I. (2020). Malaysia's Tropical Rainforests - Splendour To Behold. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. pp. 212.
  3. Abdul Rahman, A.R., Yahaya, M., Mohd Nasir, A.H., Muhamad, A. & Latiff, A. (2012). Hutan Simpan Gunung Belumut, Johor: Pengurusan Hutan, Persekitaran Fizikal dan Kepelbagaian Biologi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 271.
  4. Abdul Rahman, A.R., Mohd Nasir, A.H., Azmi, N., Nor Hasliza, M.B. & Latiff, A. (2014). Hutan Simpan Gunung Tebu, Terengganu: Pengurusan Hutan, Persekitaran Fizikal dan Kepelbagaian Biologi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 343.
  5. Abdul Rahman, A.R., Koh, H.L., Muhamad, A., Wan Yusof, W.K. & Latiff, A. (2011). Hutan Simpan Melaka: Pengurusan Hutan, Persekitaran Fizikal, Kepelbagaian Biologi dan Socio-ekonomi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 315.
  6. Abdul Rahman, A.R., Koh, H.L., Muhamad, A. & Latiff, A. (2011). Taman Negeri DiRaja Belum, Perak: Pengurusan Hutan, Persekitaran Fizikal, Kepelbagaian Biologi dan Socio-ekonomi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 332.
  7. Abdullah, M.T., Nur Amalina, A, Amirah Azizah, Z, Nur Izzah, I.A. & Roslan, A. (2019). Tasik Kenyir: Stunning Beauty And Its Biodiversity. Penerbit UMT.
  8. Mohd. Rizal, S., Na'aman, J., Jalil, M.S., Nizam, M.S., Latiff, A. & Azahar, M. (2006). Gunung Mandi Angin, Terengganu: Pengurusan, Persekitaran Fizikal, Kepelbagaian Biologi dan Pelancongan Ekologi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 500.
  9. Chew, M.Y., Salleh, N., Azeman, S., Yap, J.W., Sam, Y.Y. & Chung, R.C.K. (2021). Wayside Trees: The Natural Pillars and Roofs of the Perdana Botanical Garden. Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 182.
  10. Latiff, A. (2010). Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve: Green Lung of Kuala Lumpur. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 100.
  11. Mohammad, M.S., Zainon, K & Zulfadhlan, A.K. (2013). Proceedings of The 2nd Temengor Scientific Expedition 2012. Pulau Banding Foundation, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. pp. 388.
  12. Mohd Hizamri, M.Y, Grippin, A & Norhayati, A. (2021). Taman Negeri Rompin Pahang: A World of Wonders and Enchantments. Pahang State Forestry Department.
  13. Mohd Nazip, S., Rahmat, Mohamad, Zaini, A. & Mohamad Azlan, M.A. (2011). Kuala Keniam: Nature's Treasure Trove in The Heartland. University Publication Centre (UPENA), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. pp. 134.
  14. Ng, F.S.P (2010). 100 Years of Tropical Forest Research: The Story of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. pp. 142.
  15. Phang, S.M., Affendi, Y.A., Ooi, J.L.S. & Haji, A.J.M. (2008). Natural History of The Pulau Tioman Group of Islands. Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, Malaysia. pp. 292.
  16. Ratnam, L. (1995). Windows on The Forest: Glimpses of FRIM for the Nature Loving Visitor, Issue/No. 1. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. pp. 143.
  17. Shaharuddin, M.I., Che, H.H., Mohd. Puat, Dahalan, Jalil, M.S., Norhaidi, Y. & Latiff, A. (2005). Hutan Simpan Ulu Muda, Kedah: Pengurusan, Persekitaran Fizikal Dan Biologi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 310.
  18. Shaharuddin, M.I., Mokhtar, M.I., Wan Yusof, W.A., M. Rahim, R. & Latiff, A. (2004). Taman Negeri Endau Rompin : Pengurusan, Persekitaran Fizikal dan Biologi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 378.
  19. Shaharuddin, M.I., Dahalan, H.T., Abdullah Sani, Shafie, Jalil, M.S., Faridah-Hanum, I. & Latiff, A. (2005). Taman Negeri Gunung Stong, Kelantan: Pengurusan, Persekitaran Fizikal, Biologi dan Sosio-ekonomi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 442.
  20. Soepadmo, E. & Saw, L.G. (2000). Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak, Volume 3. Sabah Forestry Department, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Sarawak Forestry Department, Malaysia. pp. 511.
Journal
  1. Malayan Nature Journal, Volume 73, Issue 3, p. 419, 2021
Magazine/Bulletin
  1. Durability of Timbers for Indoor Applications in Malaysia. Timber Technology Bulletin: Compilation of Timber Technology Bulletins 1995-2015 (57), 2016. Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Malaysia.
  2. Equivalent Timbers Of Southeast Asia. Timber Technology Bulletin (25), 2002. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia.
  3. Timber Notes -Heavy Hardwoods II (Kekatong,Keranji,Merbau,Penaga,Resak). Timber Technology Bulletin: Compilation of Timber Technology Bulletins 1995-2015 (57), 2016. Timber Technology Centre (TTC), Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia.
  4. Conservation Malaysia (17), 2013. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
  5. Conservation Malaysia (1), 2005. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
  6. FRIM in Focus (June 2020). Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong, Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
  7. FRIM in FOCUS (September 2020). Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia.
  8. Conservation Malaysia (26), 2017. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
  9. Malaysian and Indonesian Timbers Equivalent Names. Timber Technology Bulletin: Compilation of Timber Technology Bulletins 1995-2015 (57), 2016. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Malaysia.

Acknowledgements :- Mr. Ahmad Amir Firdaus Bin Mad Apandi, Ms. Aida Salihah Binti Abu Bakar, Ms. Ainul Aqilah Binti Mohd Nasir, Ms. Ajla Rafidah Baharom, Ms. Amirah Hasanah Binti Mazlan, Ms. Anissa Huda Binti Rosli, Mrs. Aziemah Binti Kinan, Mr. Badrul Amin Bin Jaffar, Mrs. Faridah Anas, Ms. Heng Pooi San, Ms. Mira Farzana Binti Mohamad Mokhtar, Mr. Mohamad Amini Bin Nordin, Mr. Mohamad Nazrin Bin Ahmad Azmi, Mr. Muhammad Lutfi Haron, Ms. Norazah Binti Norddin, Mrs. Norhaslinda Mohd Nor, Mrs. Nur Hazwanie Binti Abd Halim, Ms. Nurfadzilah Bt Azmi, Ms. Nurfarhana Hizan Binti Hijas, Ms. Nurul Aimi Amirah Binti Mohd Zaki, Ms. Siti Nor Hidayati Kamaruddin, Ms. Siti Zubaidah Binti Abdul Latif, Mr. Tan Kok Kiat & Mr. Yasser Mohamed Arifin

Photo credit :- FRIM, Saw Leng Guan, Tan Kok Kiat, Tan Sin Hoong & Yasser Arifin

Species Citation :- Intsia palembanica. Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS). Accessed via https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/39670. [Retrieved 30 September 2023].

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Website Citation: MyBIS (2023). Malaysia Biodiversity Information System. Published on the Internet https://www.mybis.gov.my/, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Malaysia Biodiversity Centre & Forest Research Institute Malaysia. [Retrieved 30 September 2023].