Cratoxylum cochinchinense, known locally as Derum Selunchor and Kemutong in Malay is a small to big-sized tree, reaching up to 33 m in height. This species is widely distributed from China through mainland Southeast Asia (except Singapore), Borneo and Sumatra. It grows in lowland, hill and heath forest and can be found in both primary and secondary forest (Wong, 1995).

Cratoxylum cochinchinense can be recognised from its orange-brown to brownish yellow bark which peels off in angular pieces or in long strips. Its bark is quite similar in texture to that of Tristania sp., commonly known as Pelawan locally. The young leaves are reddish, turning green with purplish leaf margins when mature. The flower which is usually found in pairs, is crimson in colour and faintly fragranced. The fruit is a loculicidally dehiscing capsule which releases unilateral winged seeds.