Dipterocarpus indicus is a species of large tree in the family Dipterocarpaceae endemic to the Western Ghats of India. It is recognised as an endangered species under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021.[2]

Dipterocarpus indicus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Genus: Dipterocarpus
Species:
D. indicus
Binomial name
Dipterocarpus indicus
Bedd.[1]

Description

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Dipterocarpus indicus tree

These are emergent trees that can attain height about 50 m and girth up to 2 m. Leaves are simple and show alternate phyllotaxy. Mostly seen as clustered towards the end of branches. They are pubescent when young and glabrous when mature. Size: 8-20 × 6-10 cm. Leaf shape can be described as broadly elliptic or ovate. Leaf apex is shortly acuminate. Ten to thirteen pairs of strong and parallel secondary nerves are seen. Petiole length is about 3 cm.[3]

Flowers are white and seen in axillary racemes. Fruits are smooth with 3 short and 2 long, enlarged, wing like, persistent calyx lobes.[3]

Distribution

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This is a rare tree seen in low and medium elevation evergreen forests of Western Ghats from Northern Karnataka to Southern Kerala. Elevation range is from 400 m to 900 m.[3]

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References

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  1. ^ a b Deepu S.; Sanil, M.S.; Sreekumar, V.B. (2021). "Dipterocarpus bourdillonii". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021. IUCN: e.T33468A115932762. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T33468A115932762.en. S2CID 239136966. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  2. ^ "Dipterocarpus indicus: Deepu, S., Sanil, M.S. & Sreekumar, V.B." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 18 December 2020. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2021-2.rlts.t33468a115932762.en. S2CID 239136966. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Page, Navendu (2017). Endemic Woody Plants of the Western Ghats. Bangalore: Trail Blazer Printers and Publishers. ISBN 978-93-5279-072-2.