Palaquium calophyllum
(Teijsm. & Binn.) Pierre ex Burck
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Summary
Source: WikipediaPalaquium calophyllum is a tree in the family Sapotaceae. The specific epithet calophyllum means 'beautiful leaves'.
Description
A tree. It grows 20 m tall. The flowering shoots have up to 12 flowers. The fruit are round and 2 cm across.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The latex is chewed and processed into gum.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows up to 800 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua, Philippines, SE Asia,
Other Uses
A latex obtained from the trunk is a source of gutta percha. Gutta-percha is a natural latex obtained from the sap of the tree. Allowing this fluid to evaporate and coagulate in the sun produces a hard, durable, non-brittle but non-elastic latex which can be made flexible again when heated to temperatures over 50°c, and then retains any form given while cooling. Prior to the advent of synthetic materials, gutta-percha had a wide range of uses - most particularly as an insulating material for electricity wiring and for underwater telegraph wires, a purpose for which it is very well suited since it is bio-inert and so is not attacked by marine plants or animals. Gutta-percha can be moulded into any shape and has been used to make items such as ornate furniture, pistol grips, acid-resistant receptacles and ‘mourning’ jewellery, where its dark colour was an advantage. It has been widely used as the core of golf balls and is still used in modern dentistry where its bio-inertness makes it ideal as a temporary filling for teeth and as a filling material inside tooth fillings. It is used locally for fixing tools into their handles.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Getah tunjung, Hangkang karikit, Karikip, Nyatoh jankar merah, Nyatoh tunjung
References (3)
- Ferns, Tropical Plants Database
- Wiersema, J. H. & Leon, B., 2013, World Economic Plants. A Standard Reference CRC Press. 2nd Ed. p 490
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
