Shorea siamensis or temak batu is one of the common dipterocarps seen in Langkawi islands. This species which is adapted to dry conditions or “xerophilous”, can also be found in Myanmar, Indochina and Thailand. Usually a small gnarled tree with less than 1m girth, this species is of less economic importance in Peninsular Malaysia due to its restricted distribution and smaller size. In Myanmar and Thailand however, Shorea siamensis is used for railway sleepers and construction purposes. The conservation status of this species in Peninsular Malaysia is “Least Concern”. To see this dipterocarp up close, go to the Dipterocarp Arboretum as two trees are fruiting and flowering now.

One of the flowering and fruiting Shorea siamensis at Dipterocarp Arboretum	Fruits of Shorea siamensis
The base of the leaf is sub-cordate and can be used as a spot character to species identification.	The long thin point of the nut is a good spot morphological character to separate this species from other Shorea fruits
Young flower buds	Bark of Shorea siamensis