Kayu, Kegunaan & Daya Yang Dipunyainya.
Dikalangan masyarakat kita, terutama yang ada di Pulau Jawa, ada yang mempunyai keyakinan bahwa untuk beberapa jenis kayu tertentu, ada yang memiliki daya gaib dan khasiat tertentu. Asal kayu tersebut bisa saja karena berasal dari pohon atau kayu bekas tempat keramat atau yang dikeramatkan seperti makam leluhur, para Wali atau karena langka, susah mendapatkannya atau bisa juga karena memiliki sifat khusus yang tidak dimiliki kayu lain.
Derajat tuah kayu tergantung dari tempat tumbuh, lingkungan dan tata cara pengambilannya yang kadangkala memerlukan sesajian. Selain itu gambar yang ada pada kayu karena proses alam atau pembusukan atau penyakit pohon kadangkala diyakini memiliki pengaruh gaib juga, contohnya Pelet Kendhit pada warangka keris dari kayu Timaha dipercaya memiliki daya mengikat tamu hingga mereka tidak meninggalkan tempat hajatan sebelum acara selesai.
Ternyata kepercayaan ini terdapat juga dibeberapa suku bangsa lain, bukan hanya bangsa kita saja.
Dengan mengacu beberapa sumber, a.l. Drs. Budihardono, Ir. Bambang W.B. , R. Oesodo, Ir. Wibatsu HS dan sumber lainnya diuraikan dibawah beberapa jenis kayu yang secara tradisional dianggap bertuah. Penyertaan nama latin untuk menambah informasi mengenai jenis kayu tersebut, untuk beberapa nama latin yang dirasa kurang tepat diberi tanda (?).
1. Asam Jawa, Celagi, Tangkal Acem (Tamarindus Indicus Linn)
Pohon Asam sangat popular di Indonesia dengan tinggi mencapai 30 m dan diameter mencapai 60 – 70 cm. Daun dan buahnya banyak digunakan untuk obat. Asam Kawak adalah buah asam yang telah dibersihkan dari biji dan seratnya kemudian dikukus sekitar 10 menit, diberi sedikit garam, dibentuk seperti bola dan dijemur disinar matahari. Asam kawak ini digunakan untuk obat macam macam, diantaranya penyakit tenggorokan. Bijinya disebut Klungsu, diyakini dapat menolak roh jahat, khususnya dari Kerajaan Kidul. Biji asam yang hitam legam sebanyak 3-9 biji jika ditaruh dalam lampu mobil/motor dipercaya dapat menghindari kecelakaan lalu lintas yang diakibatkan oleh mahluk halus. Bagian hitam dari teras asam dinamakan Galih Asam, bertuah untuk keselamatan, menolak Jin jahat dan anti tenung. Jika dipukulkan pada seseorang yang mempunyai daya magic hitam maka biasanya akan punah kesaktiannya. Galih Asam hanya baik dipakai oleh pemimpin berhati “Satriya Pandita”, kayu ini juga bagus untuk Warangka Keris.
2. Awar-awar, Dausalo, Bar-abar, Sirih Popar (Ficus Septica Burm)
Perdu yang banyak tumbuh di tempat agak basah ini hampir tumbuh diseluruh Nusantara, dari akar sampai daun mempunyai kegunaan. Akarnya ditumbuk dengan Adas Pulowaras dan airnya diperas dapat digunakan untuk mengobati keracunan ikan, gadung (Dioscorea hispida dennst.) dan kepiting. Jika ditumbuk dengan segenggam akar alang-alang dan airnya diperas merupakan obat muntah yang sangat manjur.
Daun awar-awar sering digunakan untuk menolak setan. Jaman dulu daunnya banyak dimanfaatkan untuk membuat tikee, yaitu daun awar-awar diiris halus kemudian dicampur candu. Dalam bentuk bulatan kecil ini tikee dibakar didalam alat penghisap madat khusus yang dinamakan "bedhutan".
Seringkali pohon awar-awar yang sudah tua bagian terasnya memperlihatkan gambar seperti pelet timaha, bagian ini banyak dicari pecinta keris untuk warangka karena diyakini kayu ini dapat meredam keris/tombak yang panas serta menjauhkan dari gangguan jin jahat dan black magic. Yang perlu diingat kayu ini sangat lunak.
3. Bambu Buntet, Bambu Pethuk (Bambusa Sp, Phyllostachys Sp, Schizostachum Sp, dsb)
Bambu buntet adalah bambu yang buluhnya tidak kosong. Dipercaya tongkat atau potongan bambu ini bertuah menghalau pengaruh roh jahat dari rumah. Bambu pethuk adalah bambu yang kedua ruasnya saling bertemu. Dipercaya siapa saja yang membawa potongan bambu ini akan kesampaian maksudnya, tidak mendapat gangguan dari siapa saja. Rotan pethuk adalah rotan yang buku ruasnya saling berhadapan, khasiatnya sama dengan bambu pethuk. Bambu Carang Gantung adalah bambu yang tumbuh dari rebung dan keluar sebagai pohon bambu kecil kecil, diyakini anti jin jahat dan santet, banyak ditaruh diatas pintu masuk rumah dan jika dipukulkan pada ular akan mati seketika, juga dipercaya bertuah menghindari wabah penyakit menular dan ilmu hitam yang hendak mengganggu pemiliknya.
4. Boga (Ficus Toxicaria Linn ?)
Kayu ini menyerupai kayu Kebak (Ficus Alba Reinw), warnanya putih dan diyakini berkhasiat menglariskan dagangan. Caranya : taruh sepotong kayu ini didalam almari / etalase barang yang dujual, atau dapat juga disimpan dalam peti uang. Jika ditaruh didalam rumah dipercaya pemiliknya tak pernah kekurangan sandang pangan.
5. Bambu Apus Pringgolayan, Wulung & Ori
Bambu Apus (Gigantochloa Apus Kurz) yang tumbuh dibelakang makam Pangeran Pringgoloyo dkampung Pringgalayan, Kotagede, Yogyakarta sejak jaman dulu dipercaya memiliki tuah membuat pekarangan menjadi angker, karena itu sering digunakan untuk mengusir penyewa yang bandel, tidak mau pindah. Biasanya sepotong bambu apus ditanam atau ditaruh dekat pintu rumah, tetapi setelah tujuannya tercapai segera dikembalikan ke Pringgolayan. Menurut juru kunci makam, semua bambu apus di Pringgolayan mempunyai sifat demikian, tetapi sifat baiknya juga ada termasuk jimat penglaris dagang, tumbal keselamatan, menolak jin jahat. Semua tergantung dari permohonannya.
Bambu wulung (Gigantochloa verticillata Munru) dan bambu Ori (Bambusa Bambos Miq) juga dipercaya memiliki tuah menolak setan. Untuk keperluan ini, ambil sepotong buluh bambu yang satu ruasnya tertutup kemudian taruh disisi pintu masuk dan isi buluh bambu itu dengan air cucian beras, potong dlingo bangle, garam dan rumput alang-alang. Setiap kali, misal setiap minggu, isi dengan air cucian beras, sarana ini selain menolak jin jahat juga menolak tuju, tenung dan santet.
Cara lain, ambil bambu ini dalam bentuk tusuk sate (diruncingkan). Masing-masing disudut perkarangan atau rumah tusukan bambu ini kedalam tanah. Taburi garam dan irisan dlingo bangle disekitar tusukan sate ini.
6. Lingsar (Pterocarpus Sp ?)
Pohonnya tinggi besar, tumbuh ditempat kramat Lingga Manik, barat daya desa Kayangan, Kulonprogo, sebelah utara Samigaluh. Dipercaya bisa menolak jin jahat dan memperlancar permohonan yang bersifat kesucian. Kayu Lingsar sepintas seperti Kayu Sengon (Albizzia falcate), bersifat mudah retak karena penggantian cuaca.
7. Klumpit, Klumprit (Terminalia Edulis Blanco ?)
Pohonnya tinggi besar, banyak terdapat dihutan jati, namun kini hampir punah digunakan untuk bahan bangunan yang tidak menuntuk keawetan. Salah satu pohon Klumpit yang masih alami terdapat di Goa Ngrancang Kencono, 7 km barat daya kecamatan Playen termasuk kawasan desa Manggoran Kidul.
Kayu ini dipercaya bertuah memudahkan permohonan yang bersifat duniawi.
8. Wergu (Rhapis Flabelliformis l’Herit)
Palma kipas atau Wergu biasanya tumbuh dalam rumpun yang padat.
Batang berbuku-buku lurus keatas dengan daun daun seperti kipas. Pohon ini berasal dari China, Vietnam, Laos dan Kamboja. Biasanya tumbuh liar atau sebagai tanaman pagar.
Batang yang berat biasanya berasal dari yang berumur 20 th lebih, dijaman dulu kayunya banyak dieksport ke Hongkong dan China. Nama dagangnya Cannes de laurier atau jones du Tonkin. Kualitasnya dibedakan : (1) diameter lebih dari 20 mm, (2) diameter 13-20 mm, (3) diameter 8 – 13 mm. Semua kualitas ini mempunyai panjang 125 mm.
Kayu Wergu dipercaya bertuah menjauhkan ular dan binatang berbisa, selain itu juga memiliki daya menambah kekuatan bagi pemakainya.
9. Songgo Langit (Ochrosia oppositifolia K.Schum & Tridax procumbens Linn.)
Kayu Songgo Langit yang dianggap bertuah adalah kayu Ochrosia oppositifolia K.Schum. yang sudah amat langka, tingginya bisa mencapai 13 – 14 m dengan diameter 30 sm, biasanya tumbuh didaerah pantai atau tepi pantai. Akarnya keras, dari luar tampak kuning tetapi dalamnya tampak kuning pucat. Kayunya berbau untuk obat dan biasanya digunakan untuk obat terutama sakit perut, kejang perut dan rasa tidak enak setelah makan ikan atau udang. Sementara ada yang beranggapan kayu Songgo langit yang berkhasiat ghaib adalah jenis perdu Tridax procumbens Linn. Biasa tumbuh dikarang karang pegunungan kapur. Pohon ini banyak bercabang dan akar batangnya kuat. Berasal dari Amerika Tengah. Tuahnya menolak niat jahat dari orang atau mahluk halus.
10. Pule, Pulai (Alstonia Scholaris R. Br)
Pohon yang bisa mencapai tinggi 49 m, terdapat diseluruh nusantara, yang baik biasanya tumbuh dibawah 900 m d.p.l dan didekat air. Ada 2 macam varietas, yang bertangkai dan tulang daun berwarna hijau dan satunya berwarna ungu. Keduanya memiliki kegunaan sama.
Kayu Pule lunak dan berwarna kuning keputihan, ada jenis kayu pule yang keras, tetapi umumnya lunak. Dalam dunia pengobatan dikenal sebagai obat demam, malaria, penyakit gula darah dan kurang nafsu makan, rasanya pahit seperti Bratawali. Getah pohon Pule sering digunakan untuk mematangkan abses (bengkak) di kulit.
Banyak yang menganggap Pule bertuah untuk menolak unsur jahat dalam rumah atau pekarangan, kadang digunakan untuk mengobati kesurupan, untuk ini ambil cabang yang masih ada daunnya dan cabang pohon awar-awar serta segenggam tumbuhan alang-alang. Cambukanlah pelan-pelan punggung orang yang sedang kemasukan roh jahat itu. Biasanya dia akan segera sadar.
11. Rumput Fatimah (Calligonum Sp)
Rumput fatimah banyak diambil kaum muslim dari Tanah Suci Mekah dipercaya memiliki tuah memudahkan menagih hutang, permohonan pekerjaan, melunakan hati orang dan sebagainya. Ada juga kegunaan lain untuk memperlancar persalinan, caranya : masukan rumput itu kedalam air, biasanya akarnya mengembang, bacalah Al-Fatihah atau Al-Ikhlas sebanyak 100 x selama merendam itu, minumkan segelas ke ibu yang bersangkutan sambil memohon petunjuk Allah.
Rumput ini juga dapat mengobati kanker, stroke ringan dan tekanan darah tinggi, hanya disini digunakan air panas (thermos), bacaannya Al-Fatihah dan Ayat Kursi masin masing minimal 200 x sesudah itu mohon penyembuhan pada Allah dan minumkan satu gelas 3 x sehari sampai sembuh. Oleskan air rendamannya kepada sisakit.
12. Minging
Sejak jaman dulu pohon ini diyakini membuat ular mabuk, disebut juga pohon ular.
Sering disimpan sebagai penghalau ular atau dibuat tongkat kalau masuk hutan, warnanya coklat kehitaman dan agak berat.
13. Cendana (Santalum Album L.)
Aslinya berwarna kuning agak kemerahan, berbau wangi, kayu ini diyakini bertuah didekati arwah leluhur, jangan membawa pusaka yang berwarangka Cendana bilamana menengok orang sakit karena dipercaya dapat mempercepat ajalnya. Tosan aji yang diberi warangka Cendana akan berbau harum dan lebih awet.
14. Drini, Sentigi (Pemphis Acidula Forst)
Kayu Drini dulu banyak dijumpai dipantai selatan Jawa khususnya dipantai Krakal sebelah timur Baron, Gunung Kidul. Menurut beberapa orang, kayu ini juga ditemukan didaerah pantai lain. Karena banyak dicarai maka kayu ini terancam punah karena diyakini bertuah untuk keselamatan, anti black magic, anti gigitan ular dan dijauhi ular. Selain itu rendaman kayu dalam air juga berkhasiat mengobati penyakit perut. Kayu yang kering akan berbau harum bila digosok dengan ujung jari. Jenis Drini dari Pulau Kangean oleh penduduk setempat dinamakan SETIGI, CANTINGGI atau MENTIGI, kayu ini juga banyak dicari untuk pengobatan, karena langka maka harganya sangat mahal, biasanya pohon Drini tumbuh ditanah kapur yang banyak mendapat angin laut atau sering terendam air laut.
15. Dewadaru
Kayu amat langka ini dulu banyak ditemukan di pulau Karimunjawa sebelah utara Jepara, diyakini bertuah menolak hewan buas dan ular, menyembuhkan gigitan ular berbisa dan menjaga keselamatan. Kayu ini kurang baik dibawa dalam perjalanan berperahu karena sifatnya mendatangkan angin taufan.
Ada 2 macam kayu Dewandaru, yang dipercaya asli tumbuh didesa Nyamplung, konon jelmaan dari tongkat yang ditinggalkan Sunan Kudus, seorang wali Kerajaan Demak. Sedangkan Kayu Dewandaru dari Gunung Kawi, walau jenisnya lain dengan yang ada di Karimunjawa tetapi dipercaya berkhasiat sama.
16. Kayu Itam, Kayu Arang, Kayu Ebony (Diospyros spp)
Kayu berwarna hitam atau kelabu berserat serat hitam. Kayu ini, khususnya yang hitam seluruhnya, bertuah menangkal roh jahat dan menciptakan suasana ketentraman. Ruang tamu yang diberi hiasan kayu ebony akan terasa teduh dan damai sehingga kerasan tinggal diruang tersebut.
17. Kebak (Ficus Sp, Macaranga Sp, Acalypha Sp)
Pohon Kebak umumnya semacam pohon beringin hutan tetapi tidak bisa besar, namun adapula yang beranggapan pohon ini sejenis waru tetapi daunnya agak muda, sering disebut Tutup (Macaranga sp, Acalypha sp). Kayunya yang ringan dipercaya melariskan dagangan dengan menaruhnya ditempat dagangan atau uang. Kayu ini mudah kena pelapukan / jamur.
18. Kelor, Maronggi, Celor, Keloro (Moringa Olefera Lamk)
Semua bagian pohon ini dipercaya bisa untuk obat. Jika ada orang yang kejang-kejang atau kesurupan atau kena hawa jahat (sawan) dari jenazah, cobalah tengkuknya dan semua persendian tubuhnya digosok dengan remasan daun kelor, biasanya ia segera siuman. Orang yang punya kesaktian tertentu (Black Magic) biasanya juga akan punah bilamana dipukul dengan cabang pohon kelor. Tidak semua pohon kelor memiliki bagian teras yang berwarna hitam yang biasa disebut GALIH KELOR, bagian kayu ini sering dicari sebagai jimat karena dipercaya dapat menunjang ilmu kanuragan dan kebal terhadap senjata tajam. Galih Kelor tidak dianjurkan dibawa oleh mereka yang berpembawaan lekas naik darah.
19. Kengkeng
Banyak dijumpai dilereng Gunung Lawu, dicari karena dapat menyadarkan orang yang kesurupan. Sepotong kayu ini jika ditaruh dekat bayi atau anak kecil bisa menolak roh jahat, roh halus.
20. Krangeyan (Litsea Cubeba Pers)
Pohon setinggi 5 – 15 m dengan batang yang paling besar hanya berdiameter 25 cm ini banyak dijumpai di daerah pegunungan. Mulai dari kulit, daun dan bunganya berbau harum. Kayunya diyakini memiliki daya menolak santet, tenung dan gangguan setan jahat. Untuk pengobatan umumnya baik bagi sakit pernapasan.
21. Liwung (Arenga Pinnata Merr ?, Calyptrocalyk Spicatus ?, Cycas Sp ?)
Kayu ini ditemukan didaerah Gunung Lawu, biasnya berbentuk tongkat atau potongan yang banyak ditawarkan oleh penduduk setempat. Warnanya hitam seperti teras kayu aren, bedanya seratnya agak kasar. Kayu Liwung berasal dari pohon Liwung yang tidak lain adalah pohon Aren laki-laki karena tidak mempunyai bunga betina. Pohon ini amat jarang, sementara ada kayu sejenis yang dipercaya sebagai kayu liwung namun asalnya berbeda. Kayu Liwung dipercaya mempunyai tuah kekebalan terhadap senjata tajam dan tumpul, sangat baik untuk mereka yang mendalami ilmu kanuragan. Sifatnya agak panas, tidak baik untuk mereka yang mudah terpancing emosinya.
22. Lotrok
Sepintas mirip kayu Kebak atau Boga, namun agak kemerahan.
Kayunya ringan dan berasal dari lereng gunung berapi. Dipercaya kayu ini dapat memperlancar pesalinan dan anti black magic namun kadar tuahnya rendah.
23. Mimang
Tidak diketahui nama latinnya, akar mimang menonjol dipermukaan tanah, konon siapa yang melangkahinya akan bingung dan tersesat. Akar mimang ditanam ditanah dibawah pintu masuk dan bagian belakang rumah. Baik akar maupun kayunya dipercaya memiliki khasiat membingungkan orang siapa saja yang melangkahinya.
24. Pamrih & Ringin Sepuh (Ficus Spp)
Kayu Pamrih berasal dari pohon Pamrih yang tumbuh dibekas pertapaan Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I di Beton Kampung Sewu ditepi Bengawan Solo, Surakarta. Menurut legenda dibawah pohon itulah baliau berteduh setiap hari sampai ada bisikan gaib untuk melawan Kompeni Balanda. Kayu Pamrih dipercaya bertuah kepangkatan, kewibawaan dan keberanian, cocok bagi mereka yang berkecimpung di pemerintahan.
Ringin sepuh disini adalah pohon yang tumbuh dihalaman makam raja-raja Mataram di Kota Gede, Yogyakarta. Dinamakan juga “Waringin Tuwo” atau Ringin Sepuh, sejak jaman dulu dipercaya memiliki kekuatan gaib. Daunnya yang jatuh “mlumah kurep” artinya satu jatuh terlentang pada satu sisi sedang satunya pada sisi lain ditambah akar dan sedikit kulit pohon, semuanya dimasukan kedalam kantong kain putih kecil banyak digunakan sebagai zimat keselamatan. Bagi yang mujur, kadang kejatuhan sebuah cabang pohon ini. Kayunya dipercaya memiliki tuah keselamatan, kewibawaan dan derajat kepangkatan. Dijaman dahulu, hampir semua warga Yogya yang akan merantau keluar daerah dibekali bungkusan daun ini. Kalau maju perang atau pergi kedaerah lain, akan kembali dalam keadaan selamat.
25. Nagasari, Penaga Putih, Nagakusuma (Mesua Ferrea Linn)
Pohon ini asalnya dari India, banyak ditanam dihalaman atau kebun dibawah 1300 m dpl didaerah Jawa dan Bali, bisa mencapai tinggi 20 m dengan diameter 50 cm. Yang dianggap bertuah umumnya terdapat di makam-makam tokoh sejarah, misal Raja, Ulama seperti di Imogiri, Kotagede, Kudus dan Gunung Muria. Daun yang muda berwarna merah, duduk berhadapan, bunga besar dengan 4 helai daun mahkota yang berwarna putih, berbau wangi. Sedang buahnya berkulit keras disebut Gandhek berisi 1 – 4 biji. Mulai akar, daun, bunga sampai kulit dan kayu dimanfaatkan untuk obat dan azimat penangkal bahaya.
Kuncup bunga yang masih tertutup disebut sari kurung atau cangkok kurung. Sedang kuncup bunga yang telah terbuka disebut sari mekar atau cangkok mekar. Benang sarinya harum, dinamakan podhisari atau sari naga / sari cangkok. Bunga yang telah diambil benang sarinya ditumbuk halus menjadi obat-obatan disebut sari cangkok. Semua ini menjadi bahan campuran pelbagai obat racikan.
Biji Nagasari juga banyak dimanfaatkan untuk obat luar, caranya biji ditumbuk halus setelah dihilangkan kulit kerasnya, kemudian ditaruh dalam minyak kelapa atau wijen (sesam oil) dan dipanasi. Minyak ini sangat baik untuk luka infeksi, eksim menahun, bengkak bahkan bisul dan segala macam penyakit kulit. Untuk pengobatan sebaiknya dalam keadaan hangat larutan nogosari dalam minyak itu dioleskan pada bagian yang sakit.
Biji Nagasari juga dapat digunakan untuk pengobatan infeksi dalam. Caranya, ambil 3 –5 nogosari, pecah dan tumbuk lalu taruh dalam gelas berikut kulitnya lalu seduh dengan air setengah panas (air termos), diamkan sekitar 5 menit dan setelah dingin diminumkan pada si sakit. Isinya jangan dibuang tetapi isi dengan air panas lagi dan lima jam kemudian diminumkan lagi kemudian ditambah air panas lagi dan minumkan 5 jam kemudian. Air nogosari ini sangat baik untuk mengobati haid yang selalu sakit, pendarahan lambung dan keputihan. Menurut pengalaman banyak orang, segala penyakit yang mempunyai efek panas badan dapat disembuhkan dengan nogosari, baik dengan seduhan dalam air mulai dari biji, serpihan kayu, daun, bunga atau kulit kayunya. Kulit kayu Nogosari berwarna coklat, jika sudah tua menjadi coklat kehitaman atau coklat dengan serat serat hitam. Kayu yang dianggap mempunyai daya gaib istimewa terutama yang dari makam leluhur. Untuk mendapatkannya dianjurkan puasa mutih (hanya makan nasi dan minum air putih) selama beberapa hari. Sebelum memotong kayu, seyogyanya melakukan sesaji selamatan menurut petunjuk penjaga makam.
Kayu Nogosari termasuk keras dan ulet, sebaiknya setelah dipotong jangan dijemur, tetapi setelah agak kering buatlah barang yang diinginkan, misal tongkat, pipa, stick dan sebagainya.
Kayu ini sangat berbahaya jika untuk memukul. Secara spiritual kayu ini bersipat mengembalikan daya yang dilontarkan kepada pemakai. Diyakini kayu ini merupakan kayu yang paling unggul diantara kayu bertuah lainnya. Tuahnya : keselamatan, kewibawaan, pengobatan, perlindungan terhadap orang jahat/jin jahat, binatang berbisa, anti tenung dan black magic. Pemakai kayu ini diharapkan berlaku jujur dan suci, jika tidak maka tindakan negatif nya akan berbalik memukul diri sendiri. Kayu Nagasari mudah dikenal karena jika ujungnya dibakar tidak menyala dan jika direndam air sekitar 10 menit maka permukaannya akan keluar bulu-bulu halus.
Pantangan : Kayu ini jangan sekali-kali dilangkahi wanita atau pria dan seyogyanya kayu ini jangan dilekati benda logam(emas, kuningan, perak) atau gading. Biarkan seperti adanya. Kayu yang tua sangat bagus untuk dibuat mata cincin, khasiatnya sama dengan membawa kayu Nagasari dalam ukuran besar.
26. Rotan Poleng, Rotan Pethuk (Daemonorops Spp, Gleichenia Spp)
Batang rotan yang poleng (bintik hitam) dipercaya bertuah membuat orang kuat berjalan jauh, karenanya dicari untuk dibuat tongkat. Begitu juga dengan rotan pethuk, artinya dua ruas yang saling berhadapan, dipercaya memiliki daya gaib, diantaranya bisa menghilang, kebal terhadap senjata tajam dan menghalau unsur jahat.
Menurut cerita Pangeran Mangkubumi pernah diberi rotan pethuk dan apabila diajunkan maka musuhnya seakan melihat orang dalam jumlah banyak sehingga melarikan diri.
27. Secang (Caesalpinia Bonducella Flemm / C. Sappan Linn)
Pohon secang tumbuh dimana-mana, ditanam sebagai pagar hidup atau pohon liar, pohonnya penuh duri, kayu gubal berwarna putih sedang bagian terasnya berwarna merah darah. Rendaman atau seduhan air panas kayu secang ini berwarna merah dikenal sebagai obat manjur penyakit yang ditandai keluarnya darah seperti demam berdarah, mimisan, muntah darah, berak darah bahkan penyakit darah tinggi, juga untuk menyembuhkan penyakit gula darah (DM), jantung, infeksi ginjal dan lever.
Untuk penyakit jantung, seduhan ini ditambah daun Dewandaru dari Gunung Kawi, anak yang panas dapat didinginkan dengan mengompresnya dengan seduhan air secang. Penyakit stroke yang belum terlambat dapat diberi minuman rebusan kayu secang yang ditambah dengan pohon ceplukan dan sedikit adas pulowaras. Untuk pengobatan penyakit kanker, rebusan secang ditambah serpihan tatal kayu setigi, nogosari dan segenggam rumput lidah ular atau jika tidak ada dapat diganti dengan buah Makutha Dewa. Kayu secang bertuah anti roh jahat, pelarisan dagangan dan menolak santet. Untuk pelarisan seyogyanya semua tempat barang dagangan dan lantai took dipel dengan air rebusan secang dan bagian depan tempat usaha disiram dengan seduhan secang setiap pagi sebelum toko buka.
28. Sempu (Dillenia Sp ?)
Kayu berwarna putih seperti kebak, dipercaya menyembuhkan orang kesurupan, caranya dengan membawa kayu sempu rabalah orang tersebut dan dengan ijin Allah SWT berdoalah agar orang tersebut sadar, atau rendamlah sepotong kayu sempu kedalam air putih, basahilah kepalanya dengan air tersebut dan berdoalah menurut keyakinan anda, semoga orang tersebut bisa sadar. Hal yang sama bisa dilakukan juga dengan menggunakan potongan kayu nogosari.
29. Setigi, Kastigi, Sentigi, Kayu Sulaiman
Banyak ditemukan didaerah berdekatan dengan pantai laut dan biasanya tumbuh ditanah berkapur. Pohon ini daunnya menyerupai daun sawo beludru atau duren yaitu hijau dengan bagian bawah berwarna merah tembaga.
Kayu ini bersifat perempuan, sebaiknya jangan dipakai oleh wanita terlebih yang belum menikah. Kayu ini yang masih segar berwarna putih kemerahan namun lama kelamaan berubah coklat tua dan jika memukul orang hanya menyebabkan pingsan, tidak mati.
Tuah kayu antara lain anti gigitan binatang berbisa, caranya ditempelkan potongan kayu setigi ke bekas gigitan atau sengatan beberapa lama. Juga menolak hama tumbuhan, penyakit menular dan tanah sangar karena pengaruh jin jahat/black magic. Kayu ini bisa juga untuk mengobati penyakit kanker. Ambil serpihan (tatal) kayu setigi, rebus bersama rumput lidah ular-ularan, segenggam daun tapak dara dan adas pulowaras, penderita diminta minum 3 x sehari masing masing 1 gelas. Kayu Setigi relatif ringan namun tenggelam dalam air. Pemakai kayu setigi atau tesek atau pembawa kayu setigi jangan sekali kali masuk air karena bisa tenggelam. Kayu ini banyak terdapat dipantai-pantai khususnya pegunungan kapur yang setiap hari mendapat angin laut.
30. Sodo Saren, Sodo Lanang (Arenga Pinnata Merr)
Lidi daun aren dipercaya memiliki khasiat menghalau jin/setan dan melumpuhkan orang-orang yang memiliki kesaktian karena ilmu hitam. Mereka akan hilang kesaktiannya bila dipukul dengan lidi daun aren, jangan sekali-kali memukul anak dengan lidi daun aren karena salah-salah bisa kena penyakit jiwa yang sulit disembuhkan.
Rumah yang angker atau banyak dihuni hewan pengganggu seperti tikus, ular, kelabang dll, bisa dibersihkan dengan satu ikat lidi aren yang dikebutkan keseluruh penjuru ruangan, lebih baik lagi bila disertai dengan membakar daun trembesi (johar, Cassia siamea Lamk) yang kering dicampur sedikit belerang, biasanya dalam beberapa waktu sudah bebas dari segala gangguan.
Sodo Saren disebut juga sodo lanang, penamaan ini juga diberikan kepada lidi daun kelapa yang jatuh menancap ditanah secara alamiah. Khasiatnya sama dengan lidi pohon aren.
Bila sodo lanang tidak digunakan, taruhlah diatas pintu masuk rumah sebagai penolak bala.
31. Sulastri, Slastri, Sletri, Sulastri, Bintangur Bunut (Calophyllum Soulatri Burm)
Pohon ini bisa mencapai tinggi 30 m dengan diameter 50 cm. Dipelihara orang karena bunganya harum, pohon ini dianggap bertuah yang ditanam di petilasan pemandianLangenharjo, Sukoharjo, Surakarta sebagai peninggalan Sri Sunan PBX.
Sejak jaman dulu daunnya dipercaya dapat merukunkan pasangan suami istri yang selalu cekcok atau tidak rukun, begitu juga kayunya dapat disimpan untuk maksud yang sama. Daun Sulastri sering digunakan untuk penyakit rheumatik sedang kulit kayunya banyak dimanfaatkan untuk campuran jamu penguat badan.
32. Tesek, Tengsek (Rhynchocarpa Monophylla Backer ?)
Kayunya amat keras dan awet, banyak ditemukan dilereng gunung berapi dengan tinggi mencapai 40 m dan diameter 50 cm, batangnya lurus dan bulat.
Karena banyak diburu orang, sekarang makin langka, dibedakan antara Tesek biasa dan Tesek Wulung, yang pertama kayunya putih, disana sini diwarnai cerat-cerat atau poleng hitam. Tesek lainnya wulung, kulitnya berwarna coklat tapi lama lama menjadi hitam.
Menurut kepustakaan, kayu ini tenggelam di air dan jika diletakan diair mengalir maka ia akan berjalan melawan arus, kayu ini bagus disimpan orang yang sabar dan tidak mudah marah karena bila digunakan untuk memukul walau hanya digunakan sebagai mata cincin, bahayanya tetap ada, orang bisa pingsan sampai mati. Kayu ini biasa dibuat cincin, pipa, tangkai tombak, gantungan kunci dll.
Tuahnya : tahan lama dalam air, diwaktu banjir mengamuk ia bisa tahan jika memakai kayu ini, juga dipercaya anti tanah sangar, anti hama tumbuhan dan anti ilmu hitam, anti upas atau entup (sengatan lebah). Wanita dan Pria boleh memakai kayu ini dan kayu ini bersifat laki-laki, jodoh kayu ini adalah kayu setigi. Kayu Setigi yang terkenal dari Gunung Lawu atau Merapi.
33. Timaha
Kayu Timaha yang berkhasiat adalah yang mengandung pelet.
A. Pelet Kendhit, pelet yang melingkar pada kayu dengan warna yang lebih gelap dari kayu asalnya dan kelihatan mengkilap seperti bara api. Pelet jenis iniberkhasiat membawa kebahagiaan, kemudahan, kekayaan dan melindungi diri dari bahaya dan penyakit bagi pemiliknya.
B. Pelet Tulak, membentuk garis tebal dari atas kebawah dengan warna yang menkilap hitam/coklat tua dan gambar yang ditengah lebih menyala dari gambar yang lain, khasiatnya melindungi pemilik dari senjata tajam.
C. Pelet Pudhak Sinumpet, menyerupai pelet tulak hanya tidak mempunyai gambaran hitam, khasiatnya seperti pelet tulak.
D. Pelet Pulas Kembang, pelet yang menyerupai awan ber-arak dan berkhasiat menolak bahaya dilaut dan sebagai penolak binatang buas disungai (buaya, ular dll).
E. Pelet Dhoreng, gambarnya seperti loreng harimau, berkhasiat pemiliknya menjadi angker/tegar dan disegani. Banyak dicari dengan harga cukup tinggi.
F. Pelet Ngamal, pelet dengan bentuk bintik-bintik besar (ceplok) dengan jarak sedikit jarang satu sama lain. Khasiatnya memberikan kepuasan hidup dan selalu gembira. Pelet ini sedikit memilih dan hanya pejabat yang memakainya.
G. Pelet Pulas Groboh, gambarnya bintik-bintik besar dan kecil. Khasiatnya hampir sama dengan pelet ngamal hanya tidak pemilih.
H. Pelet Beras Wutah, bergambar titik-titik kecil merata pada seluruh kayu, khasiatnya untuk pengasihan (dicintai manusia dan binatang), banyak dicari dan mahal.
I. Pelet Ngirim (Ngingrim) Kembang, gambarnya berbentuk besar dan panjang, khasiatnya dihormati orang, dicintai lawan jenis dan biasanya dipakai oleh yang belum berkeluarga (bisa jejaka, duda).
J. Pelet Gandrung, bentuknya bulat bulat dan tidak teratur dengan warna lebih mengkilat dan terang, pemiliknya hidup hemat dan cermat.
K. Pelet Ceplok Kelor, gambarannya bulat telur dan besar seperti daun kelor, khasiatnya memberi keselamatan pada pemilik.
L. Pelet Ceplok Bantheng, pelet yang hampir menutup seluruh kayu tetapi masih terlihat disana-sini kayu aslinya. Pemiliknya akan selalu dalam keadaan sehat wal-afiat.
M. Pelet Segara Winotan, pelet yang terdiri dari satu, dua, tiga bintik-bintik yang teratur. Khasiatnya dihormati setiap orang dan pelet ini pemilih, hanya pejabat tinggi yang pantas memakainya.
O. Pelet Gana, pelet yang bergambar seperti batu arca, khasiatnya memberi kesejahteraan dan menghimpun semua kebaikan dan kebahagiaan. Dulu hanya dipakai raja atau pejabat tertinggi.
P. Pelet Sembur, pelet dengan gambar titik-titik kecil tersebar diseluruh permukaan kayu, khasiatnya dapat menundukan manusia atau binatang, menghindarkan kemarahan orang lain dan umumnya pelet ini mempunyai kekuatan gaib.
Q. Pelet Nyerat, jenis ini bergambar garis-garis tipis seperti gambar pada marmer, kadang seperti hurup/tulisan. Khasiatnya pemiliknya dapat hidup mandiri, percaya diri dan selalu beruntung serta jaya, dalam berusaha selalu berhasil.
R. Pelet Dewadaru, seperti pelet nyerat, hanya garisnya lebih tebal dan tajam sehingga kadang-kadang sulit membedakan dengan pelet nyerat. Khasiatnya melindungi keluarganya dari mara bahaya, melindungi harta benda dan biasanya pusaka yang memakai pelet ini ditaruh dalam tempat penyimpanan harta. Pelet ini terdapat pada pohon beringin dan mempunyai nilai cukup tinggi dan sangat dihormati.
Juli 05, 2011
Agustus 05, 2010
Kayu Lara
Xanthostemon ( Kayu Lara )
Nama daerah. Kayu Besi Philipina (nama perdagangan). Indonesia : Lara. Papua New Guinea : Kasi Kasi (nama perdagangan).
Asal usul dan daerah penyebaran. Xanthostemon terdiri dari 50 spesies. New Caledonia adalah daerah yang memiliki spesies paling kaya (± 35 spesies). Australia memiliki 8 spesies, dan 11 spesies berada di Malesia ( 4 di Philiphina, 4 di New Guinea, 2 di Sulawesi dan 1 di Maluku).
Kegunaan. Di Philipina kayu Xanthostemon verdugonianus di anggap sebagai kayu mewah. Xanthostemon verdugonianus digunakan secara istimewa karena keawetannya, untuk tiang pancang di air laut, pegangan peralatan, penggiling, katrol, bantalan, bola bowling dan lain sebagainya. Kayu dari spesies lainnya (seperti X. Brassi and X. Verus) juga tergolong sangat awet dan digunakan untuk rumah dan bangunan jembatan, tiang pancang di air laut, penggiling, katrol, slebor/bemper, palu kayu, gala palu, dan untuk kemudi dan jangkar kapal. Kayu ini dapat dijadikan kayu bakar yang sangat baik.
Arang dan serbuk gergaji dapat digunakan sebagai obat-obatan untuk menyembuhkan borok. Kulit kayunya juga dapat digunakan sebagai obat penyembuh diare.
Produksi dan perdagangan internasinal. Bahan baku (kayu bulat) Xanthostemon sangat terbatas, namun dalam pasar lokal permintaannya cukup besar dan ditawarkan dengan harga tinggi (misalnya di Philipina). Tahun 1996 Papua New Guinea mengekspor 455 m3 kayu bulat “kasi-kasi” dengan harga FOB (Free-on-Board) rata-rata US$ 90 / m3, dimana harga ini lebih rendah jika dibandingkan dengan harga kayu dari Philipina.
Ciri-ciri kayu. Kayu Xanthostemon merupakan kayu yang keras dan berat dengan kepadatan (805-) 1015-1410 kg/m3 pada kadar air 15%. Kayu teras berwarna merah-coklat hingga coklat gelap yang semakin lama berubah menjadi coklat sangat gelap., Kayu gubal tidak memiliki batas yang jelas dan berwarna coklat muda atau kuning muda; serat bergelombang, terpilin atau berpadu. Tekstur halus hingga sangat halus dan kadang licin; kayu berkilat. Lingkar tumbuh tidak terlihat jelas; pori-pori/pembuluh sangat kecil hingga cukup kecil, seluruhnya soliter secara eksklusif, penyebarannya agak tidak merata, sering berisi tylosis atau berisi getah berwarna gelap dan deposit berwarna putih kekuningan atau merah muda; parenkim tersebar, paratrakeal vasisentris dan apotrakeal difusse, hampir tidak terlihat pada ruang dengan pencahayaan yang baik, jari-jari sangat halus hanya dapat terlihat menggunakan lup, lebih pucat dibandingkan warna jaringan disekitarnya.
Penyusutan tinggi dan pengeringan harus dilakukan secara hati-hati untuk menghindari cacat melengkung dan memuntir. Kayu bulatnya membutuhkan pemeriksaan akhir yang lebih dari pemeriksaan biasa dan membutuhkan perlindungan. Kayu ini mengandung banyak silika dan sangat keras, sangat kuat dan keteguhan tinggi. Kayu ini sangat sulit dikerjakan, disambung/direkatkan dan digergaji karena kekerasannya, kekasarannya dan seratnya yang berpadu dan spiral; sudut potong yang rendah dapat mempengaruhi hasil akhir. Permukaan yang mengkilap setelah penyerutan adalah keunggulannya. Kayu ini sangat baik untuk pemakaian lama dan tahan terhadap cuaca. Kayu ini sangat awet, bahkan dalam kondisi paling parah, X. Verdugonianus termasuk kayu paling awet di Philipina. Kayu terasnya sangat sulit untuk diberikan perlakuan pengawetan dan kayu gubal termasuk sulit diawetkan. Kayu sangat tahan terhadap serangan rayap dan cacing laut. Kayu gubal tidak rentan terhadap Lyctus.
Botani. Pohon berukuran sedang dan dapat tumbuh dengan tinggi mencapai 30(-40) m; batang umumnya lurus, bebas cabang mingga 12 m, diameter mencapai 50(-150) cm; permukaan kulit batang halus, berwarna keabu-abuan; cabang-cabang terkadang rendah pada batang. Pola daun bergantian atau menyamping, tunggal, menyeluruh, memiliki bekas daun penumpu. Bunga tumbuh pada ketiak daun, Pleiochasium tunggal sampai majemuk atau berkurang hingga sedikit sampai tunggal. Hypanthium (tabung bunga) yang pendek sampai dalam, (3-)4(-5) buah; tidak memiliki mahkota atau kelopak bunga, berbintik-bintik; benang sari banyak, bebas, tidak mengelompok, panjang dan dengan sari bunga dipucuknya; bakal buah (ovary) berukuran besar atau setengah rendah, 3-5 locular dengan banyak sel ovarium, plasenta terpusat dan datar atau terletak miring dalam dasar sudut locule, tipe 1, panjang. Buah bertempurung, memiliki banyak biji pengatup untuk membuka. Biji membentuk cincin atau membusur dalam setiap locule, banyak atau sedikit semi lingkar, dasar datar, sedikit yang fertil.
Pohon secara singkat menggugurkan daun. X. Verus dilaporkan berbunga di Kebun Raya Bogor (Jawa) hampir sepanjang tahun. X. Verdugonianus berbunga di Philipina dari Juli hingga Oktober. Buah matang dalam 2-3 bulan. Pohon dapat berbuah ketika mencapai tinggi 2 m.
Nama Xanthostemon disematkan pada kayu Nani (yang dipublikasikan oleh Adanson tahun 1763). Nani secara formal di perkenalkan sebagai sinonim dari marga besar Metrosideros (yang kadang di pakai sebagai bagian dari marga ini), tapi belakangan ini terbukti identik dengan Xanthostemon.
Ekologi. Xanthostemon tumbuh baik pada hutan hujan dataran rendah, tapi kadang juga dapat tumbuh di hutan savana. X. Verdugonianus tumbuh baik diatas tanah berpasir dan berbatu, kadang pada tebing curam sepanjang pantai, dan biasanya berasosiasi dengan Shorea, Tristania dan spesies Xanthostemon lainnya.
Silvikultur. Xanthostemon dapat diperbanyak dengan benih atau anakan. Jumlah benih dari Sulawesi Selatan diperkirakan sekitar 960.000 benih kering/kg. Daya kecambah X. Verdugonianus adalah 30-50% dalam 7 – 40 hari. Tingkat daya kecambah yang paling tinggi dapat diperoleh pada media humus, tetapi daya kecambah dengan media pasir hanya 13%. Bibit mencapai tinggi rata-rata 7 cm setelah 6 bulan. Anakan X. Verdugonianus diambil pada bulan Oktober – November menunjukkan 5% tingkat kematian setelah 1 minggu dipindahkan dalam kebun bibit. Terjadi pertambahan tinggi meskipun sangat kecil. Percobaan penanaman Xanthostemon sp. di Jawa tidak berhasil dengan baik dibandingkan di Sulawesi Selatan; tingkat kematian bibit tinggi namun 10,5 tahun setelah penanaman tinggi rata-rata tanaman yang bertahan mencapai 6 m dan diameternya 7 cm. Regenerasi jarang bahkan tidak ada di dalam hutan tertutup, tapi dapat berlimpah di lahan terbuka (misalnya di tanah tererosi/longsor atau sepanjang jalur-jalur di hutan). Xanthostemon dapat juga tumbuh dengan baik di lahan terbuka pada tanah yang curam berpasir dan dapat tumbuh alami diatas tanah berbatu. Hal ini membuktikan bahwa Xanthostemon sangat tahan terhadap tanah yang kurang subur.
Sumber Genetik dan Pembiakan/Pemeliharaan. Di Philipina X. Verdugonianus termasuk dalam jenis terancam punah karena X. Verdugonianus telah menjadi objek penebangan yang telah melebihi batas karena harga kayu yang tinggi. Terlebih lagi, dengan rendahnya daya regenerasi dan penyebarannya yang terbatas. Permasalahan yang sama juga terjadi pada jenis lainnya seperti X. brassi dan X. verus. Penanganan perlindungan sangat diperlukan untuk memastikan kelestariannya.
Harapan. Masa depan kayu Xanthostemon tidak dapat dipastikan. Sulitnya untuk perbanyakan dan kelangkaan ketersediaannya menyebabkan beberapa jenis akan punah dalam waktu dekat kecuali adanya penanganan perlindungan yang benar-benar diimplentasikan.
Literature: 39, 231, 300, 304, 348, 405, 427, 436, 536, 632, 786, 861, 934, 1080, 1114, 1228, 1229, 1232, 1257, 1258.
Spesies pilihan.
Xanthostemon bracteatus Merr.
Nama daerah Philipina : mapilig (bikol).
Penyebaran Philipina (Luzon, Samar)
Xanthostemon brassii Merr.
Sinonim Xanthostemonparadoxus auct. Non F.v. Mueller
Nama daerah Papua New Guinea : kasi-kasi (general).
Penyebaran Papua New Guinea.
Xanthostemon philippinensis Merr.
Nama daerah Philipina : bagoadlau (Samar-Leyte Bisaya)
Penyebaran Philipina (Luzon, Samar)
Xanthostemon verdugonianus Naves ex Fernandez-Villar
Nama daerah Philipina kayu besi (En). Philipina : mangkono (Cebu Bisaya, Manobo)
Penyebaran Philipina (Sibuyan, Panay, Leyte, Dinagat, Tinago dan Mindanao)
Xanthostemon verus (Lindl.) Peter G. Wilson
Sinonim Metrosideros vera Lindl.
Nama daerah kayu besi (En). Indonesia : makalimbong (Minahasa, North Sulawesi), nani (Maluku).
Penyebaran Sulawesi dan Maluku.
Nama daerah. Kayu Besi Philipina (nama perdagangan). Indonesia : Lara. Papua New Guinea : Kasi Kasi (nama perdagangan).
Asal usul dan daerah penyebaran. Xanthostemon terdiri dari 50 spesies. New Caledonia adalah daerah yang memiliki spesies paling kaya (± 35 spesies). Australia memiliki 8 spesies, dan 11 spesies berada di Malesia ( 4 di Philiphina, 4 di New Guinea, 2 di Sulawesi dan 1 di Maluku).
Kegunaan. Di Philipina kayu Xanthostemon verdugonianus di anggap sebagai kayu mewah. Xanthostemon verdugonianus digunakan secara istimewa karena keawetannya, untuk tiang pancang di air laut, pegangan peralatan, penggiling, katrol, bantalan, bola bowling dan lain sebagainya. Kayu dari spesies lainnya (seperti X. Brassi and X. Verus) juga tergolong sangat awet dan digunakan untuk rumah dan bangunan jembatan, tiang pancang di air laut, penggiling, katrol, slebor/bemper, palu kayu, gala palu, dan untuk kemudi dan jangkar kapal. Kayu ini dapat dijadikan kayu bakar yang sangat baik.
Arang dan serbuk gergaji dapat digunakan sebagai obat-obatan untuk menyembuhkan borok. Kulit kayunya juga dapat digunakan sebagai obat penyembuh diare.
Produksi dan perdagangan internasinal. Bahan baku (kayu bulat) Xanthostemon sangat terbatas, namun dalam pasar lokal permintaannya cukup besar dan ditawarkan dengan harga tinggi (misalnya di Philipina). Tahun 1996 Papua New Guinea mengekspor 455 m3 kayu bulat “kasi-kasi” dengan harga FOB (Free-on-Board) rata-rata US$ 90 / m3, dimana harga ini lebih rendah jika dibandingkan dengan harga kayu dari Philipina.
Ciri-ciri kayu. Kayu Xanthostemon merupakan kayu yang keras dan berat dengan kepadatan (805-) 1015-1410 kg/m3 pada kadar air 15%. Kayu teras berwarna merah-coklat hingga coklat gelap yang semakin lama berubah menjadi coklat sangat gelap., Kayu gubal tidak memiliki batas yang jelas dan berwarna coklat muda atau kuning muda; serat bergelombang, terpilin atau berpadu. Tekstur halus hingga sangat halus dan kadang licin; kayu berkilat. Lingkar tumbuh tidak terlihat jelas; pori-pori/pembuluh sangat kecil hingga cukup kecil, seluruhnya soliter secara eksklusif, penyebarannya agak tidak merata, sering berisi tylosis atau berisi getah berwarna gelap dan deposit berwarna putih kekuningan atau merah muda; parenkim tersebar, paratrakeal vasisentris dan apotrakeal difusse, hampir tidak terlihat pada ruang dengan pencahayaan yang baik, jari-jari sangat halus hanya dapat terlihat menggunakan lup, lebih pucat dibandingkan warna jaringan disekitarnya.
Penyusutan tinggi dan pengeringan harus dilakukan secara hati-hati untuk menghindari cacat melengkung dan memuntir. Kayu bulatnya membutuhkan pemeriksaan akhir yang lebih dari pemeriksaan biasa dan membutuhkan perlindungan. Kayu ini mengandung banyak silika dan sangat keras, sangat kuat dan keteguhan tinggi. Kayu ini sangat sulit dikerjakan, disambung/direkatkan dan digergaji karena kekerasannya, kekasarannya dan seratnya yang berpadu dan spiral; sudut potong yang rendah dapat mempengaruhi hasil akhir. Permukaan yang mengkilap setelah penyerutan adalah keunggulannya. Kayu ini sangat baik untuk pemakaian lama dan tahan terhadap cuaca. Kayu ini sangat awet, bahkan dalam kondisi paling parah, X. Verdugonianus termasuk kayu paling awet di Philipina. Kayu terasnya sangat sulit untuk diberikan perlakuan pengawetan dan kayu gubal termasuk sulit diawetkan. Kayu sangat tahan terhadap serangan rayap dan cacing laut. Kayu gubal tidak rentan terhadap Lyctus.
Botani. Pohon berukuran sedang dan dapat tumbuh dengan tinggi mencapai 30(-40) m; batang umumnya lurus, bebas cabang mingga 12 m, diameter mencapai 50(-150) cm; permukaan kulit batang halus, berwarna keabu-abuan; cabang-cabang terkadang rendah pada batang. Pola daun bergantian atau menyamping, tunggal, menyeluruh, memiliki bekas daun penumpu. Bunga tumbuh pada ketiak daun, Pleiochasium tunggal sampai majemuk atau berkurang hingga sedikit sampai tunggal. Hypanthium (tabung bunga) yang pendek sampai dalam, (3-)4(-5) buah; tidak memiliki mahkota atau kelopak bunga, berbintik-bintik; benang sari banyak, bebas, tidak mengelompok, panjang dan dengan sari bunga dipucuknya; bakal buah (ovary) berukuran besar atau setengah rendah, 3-5 locular dengan banyak sel ovarium, plasenta terpusat dan datar atau terletak miring dalam dasar sudut locule, tipe 1, panjang. Buah bertempurung, memiliki banyak biji pengatup untuk membuka. Biji membentuk cincin atau membusur dalam setiap locule, banyak atau sedikit semi lingkar, dasar datar, sedikit yang fertil.
Pohon secara singkat menggugurkan daun. X. Verus dilaporkan berbunga di Kebun Raya Bogor (Jawa) hampir sepanjang tahun. X. Verdugonianus berbunga di Philipina dari Juli hingga Oktober. Buah matang dalam 2-3 bulan. Pohon dapat berbuah ketika mencapai tinggi 2 m.
Nama Xanthostemon disematkan pada kayu Nani (yang dipublikasikan oleh Adanson tahun 1763). Nani secara formal di perkenalkan sebagai sinonim dari marga besar Metrosideros (yang kadang di pakai sebagai bagian dari marga ini), tapi belakangan ini terbukti identik dengan Xanthostemon.
Ekologi. Xanthostemon tumbuh baik pada hutan hujan dataran rendah, tapi kadang juga dapat tumbuh di hutan savana. X. Verdugonianus tumbuh baik diatas tanah berpasir dan berbatu, kadang pada tebing curam sepanjang pantai, dan biasanya berasosiasi dengan Shorea, Tristania dan spesies Xanthostemon lainnya.
Silvikultur. Xanthostemon dapat diperbanyak dengan benih atau anakan. Jumlah benih dari Sulawesi Selatan diperkirakan sekitar 960.000 benih kering/kg. Daya kecambah X. Verdugonianus adalah 30-50% dalam 7 – 40 hari. Tingkat daya kecambah yang paling tinggi dapat diperoleh pada media humus, tetapi daya kecambah dengan media pasir hanya 13%. Bibit mencapai tinggi rata-rata 7 cm setelah 6 bulan. Anakan X. Verdugonianus diambil pada bulan Oktober – November menunjukkan 5% tingkat kematian setelah 1 minggu dipindahkan dalam kebun bibit. Terjadi pertambahan tinggi meskipun sangat kecil. Percobaan penanaman Xanthostemon sp. di Jawa tidak berhasil dengan baik dibandingkan di Sulawesi Selatan; tingkat kematian bibit tinggi namun 10,5 tahun setelah penanaman tinggi rata-rata tanaman yang bertahan mencapai 6 m dan diameternya 7 cm. Regenerasi jarang bahkan tidak ada di dalam hutan tertutup, tapi dapat berlimpah di lahan terbuka (misalnya di tanah tererosi/longsor atau sepanjang jalur-jalur di hutan). Xanthostemon dapat juga tumbuh dengan baik di lahan terbuka pada tanah yang curam berpasir dan dapat tumbuh alami diatas tanah berbatu. Hal ini membuktikan bahwa Xanthostemon sangat tahan terhadap tanah yang kurang subur.
Sumber Genetik dan Pembiakan/Pemeliharaan. Di Philipina X. Verdugonianus termasuk dalam jenis terancam punah karena X. Verdugonianus telah menjadi objek penebangan yang telah melebihi batas karena harga kayu yang tinggi. Terlebih lagi, dengan rendahnya daya regenerasi dan penyebarannya yang terbatas. Permasalahan yang sama juga terjadi pada jenis lainnya seperti X. brassi dan X. verus. Penanganan perlindungan sangat diperlukan untuk memastikan kelestariannya.
Harapan. Masa depan kayu Xanthostemon tidak dapat dipastikan. Sulitnya untuk perbanyakan dan kelangkaan ketersediaannya menyebabkan beberapa jenis akan punah dalam waktu dekat kecuali adanya penanganan perlindungan yang benar-benar diimplentasikan.
Literature: 39, 231, 300, 304, 348, 405, 427, 436, 536, 632, 786, 861, 934, 1080, 1114, 1228, 1229, 1232, 1257, 1258.
Spesies pilihan.
Xanthostemon bracteatus Merr.
Nama daerah Philipina : mapilig (bikol).
Penyebaran Philipina (Luzon, Samar)
Xanthostemon brassii Merr.
Sinonim Xanthostemonparadoxus auct. Non F.v. Mueller
Nama daerah Papua New Guinea : kasi-kasi (general).
Penyebaran Papua New Guinea.
Xanthostemon philippinensis Merr.
Nama daerah Philipina : bagoadlau (Samar-Leyte Bisaya)
Penyebaran Philipina (Luzon, Samar)
Xanthostemon verdugonianus Naves ex Fernandez-Villar
Nama daerah Philipina kayu besi (En). Philipina : mangkono (Cebu Bisaya, Manobo)
Penyebaran Philipina (Sibuyan, Panay, Leyte, Dinagat, Tinago dan Mindanao)
Xanthostemon verus (Lindl.) Peter G. Wilson
Sinonim Metrosideros vera Lindl.
Nama daerah kayu besi (En). Indonesia : makalimbong (Minahasa, North Sulawesi), nani (Maluku).
Penyebaran Sulawesi dan Maluku.
Juni 25, 2010
Glugu
Coconut timber
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Coconut timber is a hardwood-substitute from coconut palm trees. It is referred to in the Philippines as Coconut Lumber, or Coco Lumber. It is a new timber resource that comes from plantation crops and offers an alternative to rainforest timber.
Coconut timber comes from farmed plantations of old coconut palms. The coconut palm was planted as a crop in large plantations throughout the tropics in the early half of the 20th century in order to harvest the coconut fruit. The tree bears fruit until approximately 70 years of age, at which point it is considered to have reached the end of its economic life and is felled to make way for future crops. Each year, several million palms are felled throughout the tropics. Traditionally, the trunks have been wasted by-products from this process.
Only in very recent years have people begun to explore the potential commercial uses for this vast, alternative supply of timber. This led to the commercial launch of coconut timber in a range of different products, from flooring to posts to furniture. With these products performing at equal to or even better than conventional hardwoods, coconut timber represents a viable substitute for endangered hardwoods from an ecologically-sound source.
[edit] Characteristics
Colour tones and hues range from golden to near ebony, with dark brown flecks. There are three basic coconut timber colour divisions relating to the timber's density: dark brown tones (high density); medium brown tones (medium density); and light golden tones (low density).
Coconut trees have no annual growth rings, rays, heartwood or branches, meaning that coconut timber is free from knots and other such imperfections.
[edit] Properties
The coconut palm is a monocotyledon. It has a smooth, slender stem that grows to a height of about 25 metres and with an average diameter of 300mm. The hardest, densest part of the wood is found on the outer perimeter of the trunk, which gives the tree its strength, while the wood’s high silica content gives the tree elasticity. Towards the centre of the trunk, the wood gets less hard.
Coconut timber is classified according to three degrees of density:
* High-density timber (dermal) – hard: 600-900kg/m³
* Medium-density timber (sub-dermal) – medium/hard: 400-600kg/m³
* Low-density timber (core) – soft/medium: 200-400kg/m³
Janka ball hardness test:-
* Coconut = 1600 – 2200 psi (dependent on which figures you look at)
* Douglas-fir = 510 psi
* Oak between 1000 – 1200 psi dependent on type of oak.
Brands
Palmwood is a finished material produced by Pacific Green from coconut timber which is stable across a range of climates.
Usage
Coconut timber has many applications as both a structural and interior design material. The harder, high-density timber is suitable for general structural purposes such as pillars, trusses, rafting, furniture, window and doorframes, floors, decking and floor joists. Medium density coconut timber can be used for walls, ceiling joists and horizontal studs. Low density coconut timber is used in non-load bearing applications like wood panelling, internal trim and ceilings, as well as homewares.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Coconut timber is a hardwood-substitute from coconut palm trees. It is referred to in the Philippines as Coconut Lumber, or Coco Lumber. It is a new timber resource that comes from plantation crops and offers an alternative to rainforest timber.
Coconut timber comes from farmed plantations of old coconut palms. The coconut palm was planted as a crop in large plantations throughout the tropics in the early half of the 20th century in order to harvest the coconut fruit. The tree bears fruit until approximately 70 years of age, at which point it is considered to have reached the end of its economic life and is felled to make way for future crops. Each year, several million palms are felled throughout the tropics. Traditionally, the trunks have been wasted by-products from this process.
Only in very recent years have people begun to explore the potential commercial uses for this vast, alternative supply of timber. This led to the commercial launch of coconut timber in a range of different products, from flooring to posts to furniture. With these products performing at equal to or even better than conventional hardwoods, coconut timber represents a viable substitute for endangered hardwoods from an ecologically-sound source.
[edit] Characteristics
Colour tones and hues range from golden to near ebony, with dark brown flecks. There are three basic coconut timber colour divisions relating to the timber's density: dark brown tones (high density); medium brown tones (medium density); and light golden tones (low density).
Coconut trees have no annual growth rings, rays, heartwood or branches, meaning that coconut timber is free from knots and other such imperfections.
[edit] Properties
The coconut palm is a monocotyledon. It has a smooth, slender stem that grows to a height of about 25 metres and with an average diameter of 300mm. The hardest, densest part of the wood is found on the outer perimeter of the trunk, which gives the tree its strength, while the wood’s high silica content gives the tree elasticity. Towards the centre of the trunk, the wood gets less hard.
Coconut timber is classified according to three degrees of density:
* High-density timber (dermal) – hard: 600-900kg/m³
* Medium-density timber (sub-dermal) – medium/hard: 400-600kg/m³
* Low-density timber (core) – soft/medium: 200-400kg/m³
Janka ball hardness test:-
* Coconut = 1600 – 2200 psi (dependent on which figures you look at)
* Douglas-fir = 510 psi
* Oak between 1000 – 1200 psi dependent on type of oak.
Brands
Palmwood is a finished material produced by Pacific Green from coconut timber which is stable across a range of climates.
Usage
Coconut timber has many applications as both a structural and interior design material. The harder, high-density timber is suitable for general structural purposes such as pillars, trusses, rafting, furniture, window and doorframes, floors, decking and floor joists. Medium density coconut timber can be used for walls, ceiling joists and horizontal studs. Low density coconut timber is used in non-load bearing applications like wood panelling, internal trim and ceilings, as well as homewares.
Kayu Karet
Rubberwood is the wood from the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). It has always been used on a small scale, but has become much more common now, a relative new-comer on the market. There are extensive plantations with these trees in southeastern Asia; the older practice was to just burn the tree when, at the age of about 25 to 30 years, it ceased to produce latex. The wood has become economically significant.
Rubberwood is now advertised as an "environmentally friendly" wood, as it makes use of plantation trees that have already served a useful function. It has a notable tendency to warp, which can be kept under control (mostly) by applying pressure during drying. It is fairly easy to work, and glues well: it is mostly used in the form of engineered lumber (finger-jointed) which eliminates some of its disadvantages. Also, as it is a byproduct and plentiful, it is cheap, which makes it a very popular material in the countries with plantations. Products made of rubberwood are a significant export for these countries; such products include toys, cutting boards, and furniture. Rubberwood is commonly marketed under other, more attractive-sounding names, such as "Malaysian Oak" or "White Mahogany".
Rubberwood is used in the manufacture of indoor furniture and gunstocks.
Rubberwood utilisation was pioneered by Kingsley Tisseverasinghe of Sri Lanka (b.24/01/1927). [citation needed] Before his discovery of a feasible treatment process for the wood of the rubber tree, the tree was only used for tapping/ harvesting of the tree's sap. His technique has led to the widespread usage of rubberwood as a multipurpose lumber product.
Rubberwood is now advertised as an "environmentally friendly" wood, as it makes use of plantation trees that have already served a useful function. It has a notable tendency to warp, which can be kept under control (mostly) by applying pressure during drying. It is fairly easy to work, and glues well: it is mostly used in the form of engineered lumber (finger-jointed) which eliminates some of its disadvantages. Also, as it is a byproduct and plentiful, it is cheap, which makes it a very popular material in the countries with plantations. Products made of rubberwood are a significant export for these countries; such products include toys, cutting boards, and furniture. Rubberwood is commonly marketed under other, more attractive-sounding names, such as "Malaysian Oak" or "White Mahogany".
Rubberwood is used in the manufacture of indoor furniture and gunstocks.
Rubberwood utilisation was pioneered by Kingsley Tisseverasinghe of Sri Lanka (b.24/01/1927). [citation needed] Before his discovery of a feasible treatment process for the wood of the rubber tree, the tree was only used for tapping/ harvesting of the tree's sap. His technique has led to the widespread usage of rubberwood as a multipurpose lumber product.
Juni 24, 2010
Ebony
Ebony is a general name for very dense black wood. In the strict sense it is yielded by several species in the genus Diospyros, but other heavy, black (or dark colored) woods (from completely unrelated trees) are sometimes also called ebony. Some well-known species of ebony include Diospyros ebenum (Ceylon ebony), native to southern India and Sri Lanka, and Diospyros dendro (= D. crassiflora, Gaboon ebony), native to western Africa.
Ebony is one of the most intensely black woods known, which, combined with its very high density (it is one of the woods that sink in water), fine texture, and ability to polish very smoothly, has made it very valuable as an ornamental wood.
Some species in the genus Diospyros yield so-called striped ebony, with similar physical properties, which is not evenly black, but striped. Most species in the genus do not yield ebony at all, even in those cases where they do yield timber (as in the case of American persimmon, Diospyros virginiana).
Uses
Ebony has a long history of use, with carved pieces having been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. The word "ebony" derives from the Ancient Egyptian hbny, via the Ancient Greek ἔβενος (ébenos), by way of Latin and Middle English.
By the end of the 16th century, fine cabinets for the luxury trade were made of ebony in Antwerp. The dense hardness lent itself to refined moldings framing finely detailed pictorial panels with carving in very low relief (bas-relief), usually of allegorical subjects, or scenes taken from classical or Christian history. Within a short time, such cabinets were also being made in Paris, where their makers became known as ébénistes, which remains the French term for a cabinetmaker.
Modern uses are largely restricted to small sizes, particularly in musical instrument making, including piano and harpsichord keys, violin, viola, guitar, and cello fingerboards, endpieces, pegs and chinrests. Traditionally, black piano and harpsichord keys were ebony, and the black pieces in chess sets were made from ebony, with rare boxwood or ivory being used for the white pieces. Modern east Midlands-style lace-making bobbins, also being small, are often made of ebony and look particularly decorative when bound with brass or silver wire. Due to its strength, many handgun grips, and rifle fore-end tips, are made of ebony as well. Many plectrums, or guitar picks, are made from this black wood.
In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka (India), the tree is called Karmara in the native Tulu language. Ebony tree forests which once covered large areas of these districts have shrunk significantly due to rapid urbanization. The wood of ebony is used as firewood, as it can burn even in moist conditions.
As a result of unsustainable harvesting, many species yielding ebony are now considered threatened.
Ebony is one of the most intensely black woods known, which, combined with its very high density (it is one of the woods that sink in water), fine texture, and ability to polish very smoothly, has made it very valuable as an ornamental wood.
Some species in the genus Diospyros yield so-called striped ebony, with similar physical properties, which is not evenly black, but striped. Most species in the genus do not yield ebony at all, even in those cases where they do yield timber (as in the case of American persimmon, Diospyros virginiana).
Uses
Ebony has a long history of use, with carved pieces having been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. The word "ebony" derives from the Ancient Egyptian hbny, via the Ancient Greek ἔβενος (ébenos), by way of Latin and Middle English.
By the end of the 16th century, fine cabinets for the luxury trade were made of ebony in Antwerp. The dense hardness lent itself to refined moldings framing finely detailed pictorial panels with carving in very low relief (bas-relief), usually of allegorical subjects, or scenes taken from classical or Christian history. Within a short time, such cabinets were also being made in Paris, where their makers became known as ébénistes, which remains the French term for a cabinetmaker.
Modern uses are largely restricted to small sizes, particularly in musical instrument making, including piano and harpsichord keys, violin, viola, guitar, and cello fingerboards, endpieces, pegs and chinrests. Traditionally, black piano and harpsichord keys were ebony, and the black pieces in chess sets were made from ebony, with rare boxwood or ivory being used for the white pieces. Modern east Midlands-style lace-making bobbins, also being small, are often made of ebony and look particularly decorative when bound with brass or silver wire. Due to its strength, many handgun grips, and rifle fore-end tips, are made of ebony as well. Many plectrums, or guitar picks, are made from this black wood.
In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka (India), the tree is called Karmara in the native Tulu language. Ebony tree forests which once covered large areas of these districts have shrunk significantly due to rapid urbanization. The wood of ebony is used as firewood, as it can burn even in moist conditions.
As a result of unsustainable harvesting, many species yielding ebony are now considered threatened.
Damar
Agathis
Klasifikasi ilmiah
Kerajaan: Plantae
Divisi: Pinophyta
Kelas: Pinopsida
Ordo: Pinales
Famili: Araucariaceae
Genus: Agathis
Genus Agathis, umumnya disebut damar, atau dalam bahasa Maori disebut kauri, adalah genus dari 21 spesies pohon yang berdaun sepanjang tahun dari famili konifer purba Araucariaceae. Meskipun dahulunya menyebar luas selama periode Jurasik, sekarang mereka hanya ditemukan di daerah yang lebih kecil di belahan Bumi selatan. Pohon-pohon ini bercirikan batang yang sangat besar dan percabangan sedikit atau tidak pada beberapa bagian ke atas. Pohon muda biasanya berbentuk kerucut; hanya saat dewasa tajuknya menjadi lebih membulat atau tidak beraturan.
Kulit kayunya lembut dan berwarna abu-abu muda atau cokelat abu-abu, biasanya mengelupas menjadi serpihan-serpihan yang menebal pada pohon yang lebih tua. Struktur cabangnya seringkali horizontal, atau menaik saat lebih besar. Cabang paling bawah seringkali meninggalkan luka cabang melingkar bila mereka tanggal dari batang yang berada lebih di bawah.
Daun muda pada semua spesies Agathis lebih besar daripada daun tua, lebih atau kurang lancip, bermacam-macam bentuknya di antara spesies dari bentuk ovata (membulat telur) hingga lanceolata (panjang, lebar di tengah). Daun tua berlawanan, bentuk elips hingga linier, sangat kasar dan cukup tebal. Daun muda seringkali berwarna merah tembaga, kontras dengan dedaunan musim sebelumnya yang biasanya hijau atau hijau-berserbuk.
Runjung serbuk sari jantan muncul biasanya hanya muncul pada pohon yang lebih besar setelah runjung biji muncul. Runjung biji betina biasanya berkembang pada anak cabang samping yang pendek, menjadi dewasa setelah dua tahun. Bentuknya umumnya oval atau globe.
Biji beberapa spesies diserang oleh ulat dari ngengat Agathiphaga, golongan ngengat yang termasuk paling primitif.
Penggunaan
Berbagai damar memberikan beragam resin seperti kopal kauri, kopal Filipina, getah damar.
Kayu Agathis potongannya berpola lurus dan bermutu baik. Kayu itu umum digunakan pada pembuatan gitar rentang menengah, karena sifat resonansinya yang bagus, namun ongkos produksinya murah. Ia juga dipakai untuk beberapa papan permainan igo
Klasifikasi ilmiah
Kerajaan: Plantae
Divisi: Pinophyta
Kelas: Pinopsida
Ordo: Pinales
Famili: Araucariaceae
Genus: Agathis
Genus Agathis, umumnya disebut damar, atau dalam bahasa Maori disebut kauri, adalah genus dari 21 spesies pohon yang berdaun sepanjang tahun dari famili konifer purba Araucariaceae. Meskipun dahulunya menyebar luas selama periode Jurasik, sekarang mereka hanya ditemukan di daerah yang lebih kecil di belahan Bumi selatan. Pohon-pohon ini bercirikan batang yang sangat besar dan percabangan sedikit atau tidak pada beberapa bagian ke atas. Pohon muda biasanya berbentuk kerucut; hanya saat dewasa tajuknya menjadi lebih membulat atau tidak beraturan.
Kulit kayunya lembut dan berwarna abu-abu muda atau cokelat abu-abu, biasanya mengelupas menjadi serpihan-serpihan yang menebal pada pohon yang lebih tua. Struktur cabangnya seringkali horizontal, atau menaik saat lebih besar. Cabang paling bawah seringkali meninggalkan luka cabang melingkar bila mereka tanggal dari batang yang berada lebih di bawah.
Daun muda pada semua spesies Agathis lebih besar daripada daun tua, lebih atau kurang lancip, bermacam-macam bentuknya di antara spesies dari bentuk ovata (membulat telur) hingga lanceolata (panjang, lebar di tengah). Daun tua berlawanan, bentuk elips hingga linier, sangat kasar dan cukup tebal. Daun muda seringkali berwarna merah tembaga, kontras dengan dedaunan musim sebelumnya yang biasanya hijau atau hijau-berserbuk.
Runjung serbuk sari jantan muncul biasanya hanya muncul pada pohon yang lebih besar setelah runjung biji muncul. Runjung biji betina biasanya berkembang pada anak cabang samping yang pendek, menjadi dewasa setelah dua tahun. Bentuknya umumnya oval atau globe.
Biji beberapa spesies diserang oleh ulat dari ngengat Agathiphaga, golongan ngengat yang termasuk paling primitif.
Penggunaan
Berbagai damar memberikan beragam resin seperti kopal kauri, kopal Filipina, getah damar.
Kayu Agathis potongannya berpola lurus dan bermutu baik. Kayu itu umum digunakan pada pembuatan gitar rentang menengah, karena sifat resonansinya yang bagus, namun ongkos produksinya murah. Ia juga dipakai untuk beberapa papan permainan igo
Durian
Durio zibethinus
Klasifikasi ilmiah
Kerajaan: Plantae
(tidak termasuk) Eudicots
(tidak termasuk) Rosids
Ordo: Malvales
Famili: Malvaceae
Genus: Durio
Spesies: D. zibethinus
Nama binomial
Durio zibethinus
Durian adalah nama tumbuhan tropis yang berasal dari Asia Tenggara, sekaligus nama buahnya yang bisa dimakan. Nama ini diambil dari ciri khas kulit buahnya yang keras dan berlekuk-lekuk tajam sehingga menyerupai duri. Sebutan populernya adalah "raja dari segala buah" (King of Fruit), dan durian adalah buah yang kontroversial. Meskipun banyak yang menyukainya, sebagian yang lain muak dengan aromanya.
Sesungguhnya, tumbuhan dengan nama durian bukanlah spesies tunggal tetapi sekelompok tumbuhan dari marga Durio.[1] Namun demikian, yang dimaksud dengan durian (tanpa imbuhan apa-apa) biasanya adalah Durio zibethinus. Jenis-jenis durian lain yang dapat dimakan dan kadangkala ditemukan di pasar tempatan di Asia Tenggara di antaranya adalah lai (D. kutejensis), kerantungan (D. oxleyanus), durian kura-kura atau kekura (D. graveolens), serta lahung (D. dulcis). Untuk selanjutnya, uraian di bawah ini mengacu kepada D. zibethinus.
Nama-nama lokal
Terdapat banyak nama lokal. Nama terbanyak ditemukan di Kalimantan, yang mengacu pada berbagai varietas dan spesies yang berbeda. Durian di Jawa dikenal sebagai duren (bahasa Jawa, bahasa Betawi) dan kadu (bahasa Sunda). Di Sumatera dikenal sebagai durian dan duren (bahasa Gayo). Di Sulawesi, orang Manado menyebutnya duriang, sementara orang Toraja duliang. Di Pulau Seram bagian timur disebut rulen.
Beberapa bagian tumbuhan terkadang dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan obat tradisional. Akarnya dimanfaatkan sebagai obat demam. Daunnya, dicampur dengan jeringau (Acorus calamus), digunakan untuk menyembuhkan cantengan (infeksi pada kuku). Kulit buahnya untuk mengobati ruam pada kulit (sakit kurap) dan susah buang air besar (sembelit). Kulit buah ini pun biasa dibakar dan abunya digunakan dalam ramuan untuk melancarkan haid dan menggugurkan kandungan. Abu dan air rendaman abu ini juga digunakan sebagai campuran pewarna tradisional.[13]
Kegunaan
Tempoyak, durian yang diragikan
Durian terutama dipelihara orang untuk buahnya, yang umumnya dimakan (arilus atau salut bijinya) dalam keadaan segar. Salut biji ini umumnya manis dan sangat bergizi karena mengandung banyak karbohidrat, lemak, protein, dan mineral.[4]
Pada musim raya durian, buah ini dapat dihasilkan dengan berlimpah, terutama di sentra-sentra produksinya di daerah. Secara tradisional, daging buah yang berlebih-lebihan ini biasa diawetkan dengan memasaknya bersama gula menjadi dodol durian (biasa disebut lempok), atau memfermentasikannya menjadi tempoyak. Selanjutnya, tempoyak yang rasanya masam ini biasa menjadi bahan masakan seperti sambal tempoyak, atau untuk campuran memasak ikan.
Durian pun kerap diolah menjadi campuran bahan kue-kue tradisional, seperti gelamai atau jenang. Terkadang, durian dicampurkan dalam hidangan nasi pulut (ketan) bersama dengan santan. Dalam dunia masa kini, durian (atau aromanya) biasa dicampurkan dalam permen, es krim, susu, dan berbagai jenis minuman penyegar lainnya.
Bijinya bisa dimakan sebagai camilan setelah direbus atau dibakar,[4] atau dicampurkan dalam kolak durian. Biji durian yang mentah beracun dan tak dapat dimakan karena mengandung asam lemak siklopropena (cyclopropene).[10] Biji durian mengandung sekitar 27% amilosa.[11] Kuncup daun (pucuk), mahkota bunga, dan buah yang muda dapat dimasak sebagai sayuran.
Beberapa masyarakat di Jawa menggunakan kulit durian yang telah dimakan sebagai pengusir (repellent) nyamuk dengan meletakkannya di sudut ruangan.[14]
Kayu gubalnya berwarna putih dan terasnya kemerah-merahan. Ringan, namun tidak begitu awet dan mudah diserang rayap. Biasa digunakan sebagai perabot rumah, peti-peti pengemas, dan bahan konstruksi ringan di bawah atap, asalkan tidak bersentuhan dengan tanah
Klasifikasi ilmiah
Kerajaan: Plantae
(tidak termasuk) Eudicots
(tidak termasuk) Rosids
Ordo: Malvales
Famili: Malvaceae
Genus: Durio
Spesies: D. zibethinus
Nama binomial
Durio zibethinus
Durian adalah nama tumbuhan tropis yang berasal dari Asia Tenggara, sekaligus nama buahnya yang bisa dimakan. Nama ini diambil dari ciri khas kulit buahnya yang keras dan berlekuk-lekuk tajam sehingga menyerupai duri. Sebutan populernya adalah "raja dari segala buah" (King of Fruit), dan durian adalah buah yang kontroversial. Meskipun banyak yang menyukainya, sebagian yang lain muak dengan aromanya.
Sesungguhnya, tumbuhan dengan nama durian bukanlah spesies tunggal tetapi sekelompok tumbuhan dari marga Durio.[1] Namun demikian, yang dimaksud dengan durian (tanpa imbuhan apa-apa) biasanya adalah Durio zibethinus. Jenis-jenis durian lain yang dapat dimakan dan kadangkala ditemukan di pasar tempatan di Asia Tenggara di antaranya adalah lai (D. kutejensis), kerantungan (D. oxleyanus), durian kura-kura atau kekura (D. graveolens), serta lahung (D. dulcis). Untuk selanjutnya, uraian di bawah ini mengacu kepada D. zibethinus.
Nama-nama lokal
Terdapat banyak nama lokal. Nama terbanyak ditemukan di Kalimantan, yang mengacu pada berbagai varietas dan spesies yang berbeda. Durian di Jawa dikenal sebagai duren (bahasa Jawa, bahasa Betawi) dan kadu (bahasa Sunda). Di Sumatera dikenal sebagai durian dan duren (bahasa Gayo). Di Sulawesi, orang Manado menyebutnya duriang, sementara orang Toraja duliang. Di Pulau Seram bagian timur disebut rulen.
Beberapa bagian tumbuhan terkadang dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan obat tradisional. Akarnya dimanfaatkan sebagai obat demam. Daunnya, dicampur dengan jeringau (Acorus calamus), digunakan untuk menyembuhkan cantengan (infeksi pada kuku). Kulit buahnya untuk mengobati ruam pada kulit (sakit kurap) dan susah buang air besar (sembelit). Kulit buah ini pun biasa dibakar dan abunya digunakan dalam ramuan untuk melancarkan haid dan menggugurkan kandungan. Abu dan air rendaman abu ini juga digunakan sebagai campuran pewarna tradisional.[13]
Kegunaan
Tempoyak, durian yang diragikan
Durian terutama dipelihara orang untuk buahnya, yang umumnya dimakan (arilus atau salut bijinya) dalam keadaan segar. Salut biji ini umumnya manis dan sangat bergizi karena mengandung banyak karbohidrat, lemak, protein, dan mineral.[4]
Pada musim raya durian, buah ini dapat dihasilkan dengan berlimpah, terutama di sentra-sentra produksinya di daerah. Secara tradisional, daging buah yang berlebih-lebihan ini biasa diawetkan dengan memasaknya bersama gula menjadi dodol durian (biasa disebut lempok), atau memfermentasikannya menjadi tempoyak. Selanjutnya, tempoyak yang rasanya masam ini biasa menjadi bahan masakan seperti sambal tempoyak, atau untuk campuran memasak ikan.
Durian pun kerap diolah menjadi campuran bahan kue-kue tradisional, seperti gelamai atau jenang. Terkadang, durian dicampurkan dalam hidangan nasi pulut (ketan) bersama dengan santan. Dalam dunia masa kini, durian (atau aromanya) biasa dicampurkan dalam permen, es krim, susu, dan berbagai jenis minuman penyegar lainnya.
Bijinya bisa dimakan sebagai camilan setelah direbus atau dibakar,[4] atau dicampurkan dalam kolak durian. Biji durian yang mentah beracun dan tak dapat dimakan karena mengandung asam lemak siklopropena (cyclopropene).[10] Biji durian mengandung sekitar 27% amilosa.[11] Kuncup daun (pucuk), mahkota bunga, dan buah yang muda dapat dimasak sebagai sayuran.
Beberapa masyarakat di Jawa menggunakan kulit durian yang telah dimakan sebagai pengusir (repellent) nyamuk dengan meletakkannya di sudut ruangan.[14]
Kayu gubalnya berwarna putih dan terasnya kemerah-merahan. Ringan, namun tidak begitu awet dan mudah diserang rayap. Biasa digunakan sebagai perabot rumah, peti-peti pengemas, dan bahan konstruksi ringan di bawah atap, asalkan tidak bersentuhan dengan tanah
Bayur
Pterospermum javanicum
Klasifikasi ilmiah
Kerajaan: Plantae
Filum: Magnoliophyta
Kelas: Magnoliopsida
Ordo: Malvales
Famili: Malvaceae (s.l.) atau Sterculiaceae
Upafamili: Dombeyoideae
Genus: Pterospermum
Spesies: P. javanicum
Nama binomial
Pterospermum javanicum
Bayur, bayor atau wadang (Pterospermum javanicum) adalah sejenis pohon penghasil kayu pertukangan berkualitas baik. Pohon yang biasa didapati di dataran rendah ini dikenal juga dengan nama-nama lain, seperti bayur, cayur (Sd.); bayur, wayur, wadang, walang (Jw.); phenjur (Md.); dan lain-lain[1]. Juga bolang (Bal.); buli (Slw.); damarsala (NTT); teunggi leuyan (Kal.)[2]. Bayur diketahui menyebar luas di dunia, khususnya di wilayah tropis, mulai dari India bagian selatan, Asia Tenggara, Kepulauan Nusantara, dan juga Amerika Tengah serta Brasil.[3]
Dalam perdagangan, kelompok kayu bayur dari Indonesia juga mencakup beberapa spesies Pterospermum yang lain, terutama P. celebicum dan P. diversifolium. Kayu ini dikenal pula di dunia sebagai bayor, bayok, bayuk atau litak
Tumbuh di tengah kebun kelapa
Pohon besar, tingginya dapat mencapai 45 m dan gemang batangnya 1 m. Pepagan berwarna keabu-abuan, halus hingga memecah dangkal. Ranting-ranting berambut halus. Daun tunggal terletak berseling, bertangkai pendek, 3–6 mm. Helaian daun bundar telur sampai lanset, sekira 4–14 x 2,5–7 cm, dengan ujung meluncip dan pangkal asimetris: sebelah membundar dan sebelahnya menyempit runcing. Sisi atas hijau terang, sisi bawah daun berambut bintang halus kecoklatan, pada pangkal dengan tiga tulang daun.[3]
Perbungaan berupa malai terminal atau di ketiak. Bunga panjang hingga 6 cm, kuning, berambut halus. Buah kotak silindris, 5–13 x 2–5 cm, mula-mula berambut halus kemudian gundul. Bijinya banyak dan bersayap
Bayur adalah penghuni hutan dataran rendah, dan kemudian juga hutan-hutan sekunder, di bawah 1.000 m dpl. Tidak jarang pula dijumpai di hutan-hutan tepi sungai dan hutan pantai. Biji-bijinya memencar dengan bantuan angin. Tumbuh dengan sendirinya di kebun-kebun wanatani yang berdekatan, bayur biasanya dibiarkan hidup hingga besar untuk dipanen kayunya yang berharga.
Meski umum ditemukan pada tanah lembab yang tidak tergenang air, bayur juga tumbuh baik pada tanah-tanah kering di dalam hutan hujan gugur daun di atas tanah liat, tanah pasir atau tanah liat berpasir. Iklim yang disukainya adalah basah hingga kemarau agak kering, dengan tipe curah hujan A-C
Manfaat
Bayur terutama dimanfaatkan kayunya yang dipujikan berkualitas baik, dan karenanya menjadi salah satu jenis kayu penting di luar jati dan jenis-jenis dipterokarpa.[1][3] Kayu bayur kerap digunakan untuk konstruksi bangunan seperti rumah, perahu, dibuat balok dan papan, bahkan juga untuk membuat jembatan. Akan tetapi kayu ini tidak begitu awet, sehingga dianjurkan untuk digunakan hanya di bawah naungan atap dan dihindarkan dari sentuhan dengan tanah. Kayu bayur juga sering dimanfaatkan dalam pembuatan mebel dan perkakas rumah tangga.[1]
Pada masa lalu, kulit kayunya juga diperdagangkan sebagai subal (pengganti) kulit kayu soga (Peltophorum pterocarpum) yang mahal. Kulit kayu bayur ini di pasar disebut sebagai kulit kayu Timor.[1]
[sunting] Sifat-sifat kayu
Kayu teras bayur berwarna merah pucat, merah-coklat muda, hingga keungu-unguan atau semu lembayung. Kayu gubalnya putih kotor hingga kelabu. Berat jenis kayu bayur berkisar antara 0,35–0,70 (rata-rata 0,53), dan dimasukkan ke dalam kelas kuat III. Kayu ini termasuk mudah dikerjakan dengan hasil yang baik; walaupun teksturnya agak kasar, namun permukaan kayu yang dihasilkan umumnya licin dan berkilap. Kayu ini mudah dipelitur, dan mudah dijadikan venir (lembaran tipis bahan kayu lapis).[4]
Dari segi keawetan, bayur berada dalam kelas IV-V (kurang awet); namun daya tahannya terhadap jamur pelapuk kayu termasuk kelas II-III. Dalam pada itu, keterawetannya tergolong sedang sampai mudah diawetkan
Klasifikasi ilmiah
Kerajaan: Plantae
Filum: Magnoliophyta
Kelas: Magnoliopsida
Ordo: Malvales
Famili: Malvaceae (s.l.) atau Sterculiaceae
Upafamili: Dombeyoideae
Genus: Pterospermum
Spesies: P. javanicum
Nama binomial
Pterospermum javanicum
Bayur, bayor atau wadang (Pterospermum javanicum) adalah sejenis pohon penghasil kayu pertukangan berkualitas baik. Pohon yang biasa didapati di dataran rendah ini dikenal juga dengan nama-nama lain, seperti bayur, cayur (Sd.); bayur, wayur, wadang, walang (Jw.); phenjur (Md.); dan lain-lain[1]. Juga bolang (Bal.); buli (Slw.); damarsala (NTT); teunggi leuyan (Kal.)[2]. Bayur diketahui menyebar luas di dunia, khususnya di wilayah tropis, mulai dari India bagian selatan, Asia Tenggara, Kepulauan Nusantara, dan juga Amerika Tengah serta Brasil.[3]
Dalam perdagangan, kelompok kayu bayur dari Indonesia juga mencakup beberapa spesies Pterospermum yang lain, terutama P. celebicum dan P. diversifolium. Kayu ini dikenal pula di dunia sebagai bayor, bayok, bayuk atau litak
Tumbuh di tengah kebun kelapa
Pohon besar, tingginya dapat mencapai 45 m dan gemang batangnya 1 m. Pepagan berwarna keabu-abuan, halus hingga memecah dangkal. Ranting-ranting berambut halus. Daun tunggal terletak berseling, bertangkai pendek, 3–6 mm. Helaian daun bundar telur sampai lanset, sekira 4–14 x 2,5–7 cm, dengan ujung meluncip dan pangkal asimetris: sebelah membundar dan sebelahnya menyempit runcing. Sisi atas hijau terang, sisi bawah daun berambut bintang halus kecoklatan, pada pangkal dengan tiga tulang daun.[3]
Perbungaan berupa malai terminal atau di ketiak. Bunga panjang hingga 6 cm, kuning, berambut halus. Buah kotak silindris, 5–13 x 2–5 cm, mula-mula berambut halus kemudian gundul. Bijinya banyak dan bersayap
Bayur adalah penghuni hutan dataran rendah, dan kemudian juga hutan-hutan sekunder, di bawah 1.000 m dpl. Tidak jarang pula dijumpai di hutan-hutan tepi sungai dan hutan pantai. Biji-bijinya memencar dengan bantuan angin. Tumbuh dengan sendirinya di kebun-kebun wanatani yang berdekatan, bayur biasanya dibiarkan hidup hingga besar untuk dipanen kayunya yang berharga.
Meski umum ditemukan pada tanah lembab yang tidak tergenang air, bayur juga tumbuh baik pada tanah-tanah kering di dalam hutan hujan gugur daun di atas tanah liat, tanah pasir atau tanah liat berpasir. Iklim yang disukainya adalah basah hingga kemarau agak kering, dengan tipe curah hujan A-C
Manfaat
Bayur terutama dimanfaatkan kayunya yang dipujikan berkualitas baik, dan karenanya menjadi salah satu jenis kayu penting di luar jati dan jenis-jenis dipterokarpa.[1][3] Kayu bayur kerap digunakan untuk konstruksi bangunan seperti rumah, perahu, dibuat balok dan papan, bahkan juga untuk membuat jembatan. Akan tetapi kayu ini tidak begitu awet, sehingga dianjurkan untuk digunakan hanya di bawah naungan atap dan dihindarkan dari sentuhan dengan tanah. Kayu bayur juga sering dimanfaatkan dalam pembuatan mebel dan perkakas rumah tangga.[1]
Pada masa lalu, kulit kayunya juga diperdagangkan sebagai subal (pengganti) kulit kayu soga (Peltophorum pterocarpum) yang mahal. Kulit kayu bayur ini di pasar disebut sebagai kulit kayu Timor.[1]
[sunting] Sifat-sifat kayu
Kayu teras bayur berwarna merah pucat, merah-coklat muda, hingga keungu-unguan atau semu lembayung. Kayu gubalnya putih kotor hingga kelabu. Berat jenis kayu bayur berkisar antara 0,35–0,70 (rata-rata 0,53), dan dimasukkan ke dalam kelas kuat III. Kayu ini termasuk mudah dikerjakan dengan hasil yang baik; walaupun teksturnya agak kasar, namun permukaan kayu yang dihasilkan umumnya licin dan berkilap. Kayu ini mudah dipelitur, dan mudah dijadikan venir (lembaran tipis bahan kayu lapis).[4]
Dari segi keawetan, bayur berada dalam kelas IV-V (kurang awet); namun daya tahannya terhadap jamur pelapuk kayu termasuk kelas II-III. Dalam pada itu, keterawetannya tergolong sedang sampai mudah diawetkan
Juni 22, 2010
Akasia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Tribe: Acacieae
Genus: Acacia
Acacia (pronounced /əˈkeɪʃə/) is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, first described in Africa by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1773. Many non-Australian species tend to be thorny, whereas the majority of Australian Acacias are not. They are pod-bearing, with sap and leaves typically bearing large amounts of tannins. The generic name derives from ακακία (akakia), the name given by early Greek botanist-physician Pedanius Dioscorides (ca. 40-90) to the medicinal tree A. nilotica in his book Materia Medica.[2] This name derives from the Greek word for its characteristic thorns, ακις (akis, thorn).[3] The species name nilotica was given by Linnaeus from this tree's best-known range along the Nile river.
Acacias are also known as thorntrees, whistling thorns or wattles, including the yellow-fever acacia and umbrella acacias.
Until 2005, there were thought to be roughly 1300 species of acacia worldwide, about 960 of them native to Australia, with the remainder spread around the tropical to warm-temperate regions of both hemispheres, including Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and the Americas. However, the genus was then divided into five, with the name Acacia retained for the Australian species, and most of the species outside Australia divided into Vachellia and Senegalia.
Classification
Acacia pycnantha
Acacia berlandieri
Acacia smallii
The genus Acacia is evidently not monophyletic. This discovery has led to the breaking up of Acacia into 5 new genera as discussed in: List of Acacia species. In common parlance, the term "acacia" is occasionally misapplied to species of the genus Robinia, which also belongs in the pea family. Robinia pseudoacacia, an American species locally known as Black Locust, is sometimes called "false acacia" in cultivation in the United Kingdom.
[edit] Geography
The southernmost species in the genus are Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle), Acacia longifolia (Coast Wattle or Sydney Golden Wattle), Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle), and Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood), reaching 43°30' S in Tasmania, Australia, while Acacia caven (Espinillo Negro) reaches nearly as far south in northeastern Chubut Province of Argentina. Australian species are usually called wattles, while African and American species tend to be known as acacias.
Acacia retinodes
Acacia albida, Acacia tortilis and Acacia iraqensis can be found growing wild in the Sinai desert and the Jordan valley. It is found in the savanna vegetation of the tropical continental climate. It grows wild in Montserrat West Indies; there it is locally referred to as 'cusha.'
[edit] Description
The leaves of acacias are compound pinnate in general. In some species, however, more especially in the Australian and Pacific islands species, the leaflets are suppressed, and the leaf-stalks (petioles) become vertically flattened, and serve the purpose of leaves. These are known as phyllodes. The vertical orientation of the phyllodes protects them from intense sunlight, as with their edges towards the sky and earth they do not intercept light so fully as horizontally placed leaves. A few species (such as Acacia glaucoptera) lack leaves or phyllodes altogether, but possess instead cladodes, modified leaf-like photosynthetic stems functioning as leaves.
Acacia dealbata
The small flowers have five very small petals, almost hidden by the long stamens, and are arranged in dense globular or cylindrical clusters; they are yellow or cream-colored in most species, whitish in some, even purple (Acacia purpureapetala) or red (Acacia leprosa Scarlet Blaze). Acacia flowers can be distinguished from those of a large related genus, Albizia, by their stamens which are not joined at the base. Also, unlike individual Mimosa flowers, those of Acacia have more than 10 stamens.[4]
The plants often bear spines, especially those species growing in arid regions. These sometimes represent branches which have become short, hard and pungent, or sometimes leaf-stipules. Acacia armata is the Kangaroo-thorn of Australia and Acacia erioloba is the Camelthorn of Africa.
Acacia seeds can be difficult to germinate. Research has found that immersing the seeds in various temperatures (usually around 80 °C) and manual seed coat chipping can improve yields to approximately 80 percent.[5]
[edit] Symbiosis
Acacia collinsii Thorns
In the Central American Acacia sphaerocephala, Acacia cornigera, and Acacia collinsii (collectively known as the bullthorn acacias), the large thorn-like stipules are hollow and afford shelter for several species of Pseudomyrmex ants, which feed on a secretion of sap on the leaf-stalk and small, lipid-rich food-bodies at the tips of the leaflets called Beltian bodies. In return, the ants add protection to the plant against herbivores.[6] Some species of ants will also fight off competing plants around the acacia, cutting off the offending plant's leaves with their jaws and ultimately killing it. Other associated ant species appear to do nothing to benefit their hosts.
Similar mutualisms with ants occur on Acacia trees in Africa, such as the Whistling Thorn acacia. The acacias provide shelter for ants in the thorns and nectar in extrafloral nectaries for their symbiotic ants such as Crematogaster mimosae. In turn, the ants protect the plant by attacking large mammalian herbivores and stem-boring beetles that damage the plant.
[edit] Pests
In Australia, Acacia species are sometimes used as food plants by the larvae of hepialid moths of the genus Aenetus including A. ligniveren. These burrow horizontally into the trunk then vertically down. Other Lepidoptera larvae which have been recorded feeding on Acacia include Brown-tail, Endoclita malabaricus and Turnip Moth. The leaf-mining larvae of some bucculatricid moths also feed on Acacia: Bucculatrix agilis feeds exclusively on Acacia horrida and Bucculatrix flexuosa feeds exclusively on Acacia nilotica.
Acacias contain a number of organic compounds that defend them from pests and grazing animals.[7]
[edit] Uses
[edit] Food uses
Acacia seed pods, also known as Guajes, served as part of a botana in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Acacia seeds are often used for food and a variety of other products.
In Burma, Laos and Thailand, the feathery shoots of Acacia pennata (common name cha-om, ชะอม and su pout ywet in Burmese) are used in soups, curries, omelettes, and stir-fries.
Honey made by bees using the acacia flower as forage is considered a delicacy, appreciated for its mild flowery taste, soft running texture and glass-like appearance. Acacia honey is one of the few honeys which does not crystallize.[8]
In Mexico the seeds are known as Guajes. Guajes or huajes are the flat, green pods of an acacia tree. The pods are sometimes light green or deep red in color—both taste the same. Guaje seeds are about the size of a small lima bean and are eaten raw with guacamole, sometimes cooked and made into a sauce. They can also be made into fritters. The ground seeds are used to impart a slightly garlicy flavor to a mole called guaxmole (huaxmole). The dried seeds may be toasted and salted and eaten as a snack referred to as "cacalas". Purchase whole long pods fresh or dried at Mexican specialty markets.
The first-known predominantly vegetarian spider Bagheera kiplingi, which is found in Central America and Mexico, was first documented and filmed in 2009 feeding from the tips of the acacia plants which are known as Beltian bodies which contain high concentrations of protein. All other 40,000 known species of spider's diets are mainly believed to be carnivorous.
Acacia is listed as an ingredient in Sun Drop, Fresca, a citrus soft drink, RC Cola, Barq's root beer, Full Throttle Unleaded Energy Drink, Strawberry-Lemonade Powerade[9] as well as in Läkerol pastille candies, Altoids mints,Langer's Pineapple coconut Juice and Wrigley's Eclipse chewing gum.
[edit] Gum
Various species of acacia yield gum. True gum arabic is the product of Acacia senegal, abundant in dry tropical West Africa from Senegal to northern Nigeria.
Acacia arabica is the gum-Arabic tree of India, but yields a gum inferior to the true gum-Arabic.
Acacia covenyi
[edit] Medicinal uses
Many Acacia species have important uses in traditional medicine. Most of the uses have been shown to have a scientific basis since chemical compounds found in the various species have medicinal effects.[citation needed]
In Ayurvedic medicine, Acacia nilotica is considered a remedy that is helpful for treating premature ejaculation. A 19th century Ethiopian medical text describes a potion made from an Ethiopian species of Acacia (known as grar) mixed with the root of the tacha, then boiled, as a cure for rabies.[10]
An astringent medicine high in tannins, called catechu or cutch, is procured from several species, but more especially from Acacia catechu, by boiling down the wood and evaporating the solution so as to get an extract.[11]
[edit] Ornamental uses
A few species are widely grown as ornamentals in gardens; the most popular perhaps is Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle), with its attractive glaucous to silvery leaves and bright yellow flowers; it is erroneously known as "mimosa" in some areas where it is cultivated, through confusion with the related genus Mimosa.
Another ornamental acacia is Acacia xanthophloea (Fever Tree). Southern European florists use Acacia baileyana, Acacia dealbata, Acacia pycnantha and Acacia retinodes as cut flowers and the common name there for them is mimosa.[12]
Ornamental species of acacia are also used by homeowners and landscape architects for home security. The sharp thorns of some species deter unauthorized persons from entering private properties, and may prevent break-ins if planted under windows and near drainpipes. The aesthetic characteristics of acacia plants, in conjunction with their home security qualities, makes them a considerable alternative to artificial fences and walls.
[edit] Paints
The ancient Egyptians used Acacia in paints.[13]
[edit] Perfume
Acacia farnesiana
Acacia farnesiana is used in the perfume industry due to its strong fragrance. The use of Acacia as a fragrance dates back centuries. In the Bible, burning of acacia wood as a form of incense is mentioned several times.
[edit] Symbolism and ritual
The Acacia is used as a symbol in Freemasonry, to represent purity and endurance of the soul, and as funerary symbolism signifying resurrection and immortality. The tree gains its importance from the description of the burial of Hiram Abiff, the builder of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.
Several parts (mainly bark, root and resin) of Acacia are used to make incense for rituals. Acacia is used in incense mainly in India, Nepal, Tibet and China. Smoke from Acacia bark is thought to keep demons and ghosts away and to put the gods in a good mood. Roots and resin from Acacia are combined with rhododendron, acorus, cytisus, salvia and some other components of incense. Both people and elephants like an alcoholic beverage made from acacia fruit.[14] According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, the Acacia tree may be the “burning bush” (Exodus 3:2) which Moses encountered in the desert.[15] Also, when God gave Moses the instructions for building the Tabernacle, he said to "make an ark of acacia wood" and "make a table of acacia wood" (Exodus 25:10 & 23, Revised Standard Version)
In Russia, Italy and other countries it is customary to present women with yellow mimosas (among other flowers) on International Women's Day (March 8). These "mimosas" are actually from Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle).
[edit] Tannin
A bottle of tannic acid.
The bark of various Australian species, known as wattles, is very rich in tannin and forms an important article of export; important species include Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle), Acacia decurrens (Tan Wattle), Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle) and Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle).
Tannin Content of Various Acacia Species
Bark
Dried Leaves
Seed Pods
Species
Tannins [%]
Tannins [%]
Tannins [%]
Acacia albida
2-28%[16]
5-13%[16]
Acacia cavenia 32%[17]
Acacia dealbata 19.1%[18]
Acacia decurrens 37-40%[18]
Acacia farnesiana 23%[18]
Acacia mearnsii 25-35%[16]
Acacia melanoxylon 20%[17]
Acacia nilotica 18-23%*[16]
Acacia penninervis 18%[17]
Acacia pycnantha 30-45%[17] 15-16%[17]
Acacia saligna 21.5%[18]
Notes: * - Inner bark
Black Wattle is grown in plantations in South Africa. Most Australian acacia species introduced to South Africa have become an enormous problem, due to their naturally aggressive propagation. The pods of Acacia nilotica (under the name of neb-neb), and of other African species are also rich in tannin and used by tanners.
[edit] Wood
Acacia koa Wood
Acacia tree near the end of its range in the Negev Desert of southern Israel.
Some Acacia species are valuable as timber, such as Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood) from Australia, which attains a great size; its wood is used for furniture, and takes a high polish; and Acacia omalophylla (Myall Wood, also Australian), which yields a fragrant timber used for ornaments. Acacia seyal is thought to be the Shittah-tree of the Bible, which supplied shittim-wood. According to the Book of Exodus, this was used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. Acacia koa from the Hawaiian Islands and Acacia heterophylla from Réunion island are both excellent timber trees. Depending on abundance and regional culture, some Acacia species (e.g. Acacia fumosa), are traditionally used locally as firewoods.[19]
Acacia heterophylla Wood
Approximate wood densities of various acacia species
Density
Heartwood Density
Sapwood Density
Species
[kg/m³]
[kg/m³]
[kg/m³]
Acacia acuminata
1040[20]
Acacia amythethophylla
1170[21]
Acacia catechu
880[22]
Acacia confusa
690-750[22]
Acacia erioloba
1230[21]
Acacia galpinii
800[21]
Acacia goetzii
1025[21]
Acacia karoo
800[21]
Acacia leucophloea
760[22]
Acacia melanoxylon
640[23]
Acacia mellifera subsp. mellifera
1100[21]
Acacia nilotica
700[22]
1170[21]
Acacia nilotica subsp. adstringens
827-945[21]
Acacia nilotica subsp. nilotica
800[21]
1170[21]
Acacia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha
705[21]
Acacia sieberiana
655[21]
In Indonesia (mainly in Sumatra) and in Malaysia (mainly in Sarawak) plantations of Acacia mangium are being established to supply pulpwood to the paper industry.
[edit] Land Reclamation
Acacia can be planted for erosion control, especially after mining or construction damage.[24]
[edit] Ecological invasion
For the same reasons it is favored as an erosion-control plant, with its easy spreading and resilience, some varieties of acacia, namely Acacia mearnsii, are potentially an invasive species. Introduced worldwide it has become an invasive plant which is taking over grasslands and the abandoned agricultural areas, especially in moderate coastal and island regions where mild climate propagates its spreading. Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment gives it a "high risk, score of 15" rating and it is considered one of the world's 100 most invasive species.[25] Extensive ecological studies should be performed before further introduction of acacia varieties as this fast-growing plant, once introduced, spreads fast and is extremely difficult to eradicate.
[edit] Phytochemistry of Acacia
[edit] Alkaloids
Egyptian goddess Isis
As mentioned previously, Acacias contain a number of organic compounds that defend them from pests and grazing animals.[7] Many of these compounds are psychoactive in humans. The alkaloids found in Acacias include dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and N-methyltryptamine (NMT). The plant leaves, stems and/or roots are sometimes made into a brew together with some MAOI-containing plant and consumed orally for healing, ceremonial or religious uses. Egyptian mythology has associated the acacia tree with characteristics of the tree of life (see the article on the Myth of Osiris and Isis).
Acacias Known to Contain Psychoactive Alkaloids
Acacia acuminata
Up to 1.5% alkaloids, mainly consisting of tryptamine in leaf[26]
Acacia adunca
β-methyl-phenethylamine, 2.4% in leaves[27]
Alpina mueller.jpg
Acacia alpina
Active principles in leaf[28]
Acacia aneura blossom.jpg
Acacia aneura
Ash used in Pituri.[29] Ether extracts about 2-6% of the dried leaf mass.[30] Not known if psychoactive per se.
Acacia angustissima usgs.png
Acacia angustissima
β-methyl-phenethylamine,[31] NMT and DMT in leaf (1.1-10.2 ppm)[32]
Acacia-aroma.jpg
Acacia aroma
Tryptamine alkaloids.[33] Significant amount of tryptamine in the seeds.[34]
Starr 031013-8001 Acacia auriculiformis.jpg
Acacia auriculiformis
5-MeO-DMT in stem bark[35]
Acacia baileyana.jpg
Acacia baileyana
0.02% tryptamine and β-carbolines, in the leaf, Tetrahydroharman[28][36][37]
Acacia beauverdiana
Psychoactive[38] Ash used in Pituri.[29]
Acacia-berlandieri-flowers4.jpg
Acacia berlandieri
DMT, amphetamines, mescaline, nicotine[39]
Koeh-003.jpg
Acacia catechu
DMT[40] and other tryptamines in leaf, bark
Acaciacaven29b.jpg
Acacia caven
Tryptamines
Acacia chundra
DMT and other tryptamines in leaf, bark
Acacia colei
DMT[41]
Acacia complanata
0.3% alkaloids in leaf and stem, almost all N-methyl-tetrahydroharman, with traces of tetrahydroharman, some of tryptamine[42][43][44]
Acacia concinna Blanco2.374.png
Acacia concinna
Nicotine[45]
Starr 050107-2872 Acacia confusa.jpg
Acacia confusa
DMT & NMT in leaf, stem & bark 0.04% NMT and 0.02% DMT in stem.[28] Also N,N-dimethyltryptamine N-oxide[46]
Acacia constricta flower.jpg
Acacia constricta
β-methyl-phenethylamine[31]
Acacia coriacea
Ash used in Pituri.[29][47] Not known if psychoactive.
A-cornigera.jpg
Acacia cornigera
Psychoactive,[47] Tryptamines[14]
Acacia cultriformis leaves.jpg
Acacia cultriformis
Tryptamine, in the leaf, stem[28] and seeds.[34] Phenethylamine in leaf and seeds[34]
Acacia cuthbertsonii
Psychoactive[38]
Acacia delibrata
Psychoactive[38]
Acacia falcata
Psychoactive,[38] but less than 0.02% alkaloids[37]
Acaciafarnesiana1web.jpg
Acacia farnesiana
Traces of 5-MeO-DMT[48] in fruit. β-methyl-phenethylamine, flower.[49] Ether extracts about 2-6% of the dried leaf mass.[30] Alkaloids are present in the bark[50] and leaves.[51] Amphetamines and mescaline also found in tree.[14]
Acacia filiciana
Added to Pulque, but not known if psychoactive[47]
Acacia floribunda
Tryptamine, phenethylamine,[52] in flowers[34] other tryptamines, phenethylamines[53]
Acacia greggii thorns.jpg
Acacia greggii
N-methyl-β-phenethylamine,[31] phenethylamine[7]
Acacia harpophylla
Phenethylamine, hordenine at a ratio of 2:3 in dried leaves, 0.6% total[27]
Acacia holoserica
Hordenine, 1.2% in bark[27]
Acacia-horrida.jpg
Acacia horrida
Psychoactive[47]
A.Implexa.jpg
Acacia implexa
Psychoactive[54]
Acacia jurema
DMT, NMT
Acacia karroo2.jpg
Acacia karroo
Psychoactive
Acacia kempeana
Used in Pituri, but not known if psychoactive.[47]
Acacia kettlewelliae
1.5[27]-1.88%[55] alkaloids, 92% consisting of phenylethylamine.[27] 0.9% N-methyl-2-
phenylethylamine found a different time.[27]
Acacia laeta
DMT, in the leaf[28]
Acacia lingulata
Used in Pituri, but not known if psychoactive.[47]
Acacia-longifolia-branch.jpg
Acacia longifolia
0.2% tryptamine in bark, leaves, some in flowers, phenylethylamine in flowers,[52] 0.2% DMT in plant.[56] Histamine alkaloids.[37]
Acacia longifolia
var. sophorae
Tryptamine in leaves, bark[34]
Acacia macradenia
Tryptamine[34]
Acacia maidenii.jpg
Acacia maidenii
0.6% NMT and DMT in about a 2:3 ratio in the stem bark, both present in leaves[28]
Starr 031013-8002 Acacia mangium.jpg
Acacia mangium
Psychoactive[47]
Acacia melanoxylon branch.jpg
Acacia melanoxylon
DMT, in the bark and leaf,[57] but less than 0.02% total alkaloids[37]
Acacia mellifera 3D-Modell.jpg
Acacia mellifera
DMT, in the leaf[28]
Babool (Acacia nilotica) leaves & spines at Hodal W IMG 1251.jpg
Acacia nilotica
DMT, in the leaf[28]
Acacia nilotica
subsp. adstringens
Psychoactive, DMT in the leaf
Acacia obtusifolia
Tryptamine, DMT, NMT, other tryptamines,[58] 0.4-0.5% in dried bark, 0.07% in branch tips.[59]
Acacia oerfota
Less than 0.1% DMT in leaf,[36][60] NMT
Acacia penninervis
Psychoactive[38]
Acacia phlebophylla.jpg
Acacia phlebophylla
0.3% DMT in leaf, NMT[28]
Starr 020911-0004 Acacia podalyriifolia.jpg
Acacia podalyriaefolia
Tryptamine in the leaf,[28] 0.5% to 2% DMT in fresh bark, phenethylamine, trace amounts[52]
Acacia polycantha.png
Acacia polyacantha
DMT in leaf[28] and other tryptamines in leaf, bark
Acacia polyacantha
ssp. campylacantha
Less than 0.2% DMT in leaf, NMT; DMT and other tryptamines in leaf, bark[61]
Acacia prominens
Phenylethylamine, β-methyl-phenethylamine[27][52]
Acacia pruinocarpa
Ash used in Pituri.[29][47] Not known if psychoactive.
Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle.jpg
Acacia pycnantha
Ash used in Pituri,[47] but less than 0.02% total alkaloids.[37] Not known if psychoactive.
Acacia melanoxylon2.jpg
Acacia retinodes
DMT, NMT,[62] nicotine,[14] but less than 0.02% total alkaloids found[37]
Acacia rigidula.jpg
Acacia rigidula
DMT, NMT, tryptamine, amphetamines, mescaline, nicotine and others[63]
Acacia roemeriana 01nsh.jpg
Acacia roemeriana
β-methyl-phenethylamine[31]
Acacia-salicina-pod-w-seeds.jpg
Acacia salicina
Ash used in Pituri.[29][47] Not known if psychoactive.
Acacia sassa
Psychoactive[47]
Acacia-schaffneri-seed-pods.jpg
Acacia schaffneri
β-methyl-phenethylamine, Phenethylamine[7] Amphetamines and mescaline also found.[14]
Acacia schottii
β-methyl-phenethylamine[31]
Koeh-004.jpg
Acacia senegal
Less than 0.1% DMT in leaf,[28] NMT, other tryptamines. DMT in plant,[49] DMT in bark.[34]
Acacia-seyal-leaves.jpg
Acacia seyal
DMT, in the leaf.[28] Ether extracts about 1-7% of the dried leaf mass.[30]
Img00522-A-sieberiana.jpg
Acacia sieberiana
DMT, in the leaf[28]
Acacia simplex.jpg
Acacia simplex
DMT and NMT, in the leaf, stem and trunk bark, 0.81% DMT in bark, MMT[28][64]
Acacia taxensis
β-methyl-phenethylamine[31]
Eat267.jpg
Acacia tortilis
DMT, NMT, and other tryptamines[58]
Acacia vestita
Tryptamine, in the leaf and stem,[28] but less than 0.02% total alkaloids[37]
Acacia victoriae
Tryptamines, 5-MeO-alkyltryptamine[34]
[edit] List of acacia species having little or no alkaloids in the material sampled:[37]
0% \le C \le 0.02%, C...Concentration of Alkaloids [%]
* Acacia acinacea
* Acacia baileyana
* Acacia decurrens
* Acacia dealbata
* Acacia mearnsii
* Acacia drummondii
* Acacia elata
* Acacia falcata
* Acacia leprosa
* Acacia linearis
* Acacia melanoxylon
* Acacia pycnantha
* Acacia retinodes
* Acacia saligna
* Acacia stricta
* Acacia verticillata
* Acacia vestita
[edit] Cyanogenic glycosides
Nineteen different species of Acacia in the Americas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which, if exposed to an enzyme which specifically splits glycosides, can release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the acacia "leaves."[65] This sometimes results in the poisoning death of livestock.
If fresh plant material spontaneously produces 200 ppm or more HCN, then it is potentially toxic. This corresponds to about 7.5 μmol HCN per gram of fresh plant material. It turns out that, if acacia "leaves" lack the specific glycoside-splitting enzyme, then they may be less toxic than otherwise, even those containing significant quantities of cyanic glycosides.[37]
Some Acacia species containing cyanogens:
* Acacia erioloba
* Acacia cunninghamii
* Acacia obtusifolia
* Acacia sieberiana
* Acacia sieberiana var. woodii[66]
[edit] Species
There are over 1,300 species of Acacia. See List of Acacia species for a more complete listing.
[edit] Famous acacia
Perhaps the most famous acacia is the Arbre du Ténéré in Niger. The reason for the tree's fame is that it used to be the most isolated tree in the world, approximately 400 km (249 mi) from any other tree. The tree was knocked down by a truck driver in 1973.
[edit] Identification gallery
[edit] Flowers
Acacia aneura
Acacia catechu
Acacia baileyana
Acacia berlandieri
Acacia confusa
Acacia constricta, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Acacia covenyi
Acacia dealbata
Acacia denticulosa
Acacia drummodii
Acacia erioloba Sossusvlei, Namibia
Acacia fimbriata Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Acacia heterophylla
Acacia longifolia
Acacia melanoxylon Nazaré, Portugal
Acacia saligna Side, Turkey
Acacia schinoides Australian National Botanic Gardens
Acacia tetragonophylla Geelong Botanic Gardens, Victoria, Australia
Acacia pennata in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Acacia pennata at Ananthagiri Hills, in Rangareddy district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[edit] Bark
Acacia aneura Bark
Acacia auriculiformis
Bark
Acacia berlandieri Bark
Acacia collinsii Bark
Acacia confusa Bark, Hawaii, USA
Acacia dealbata
Acacia decurrens
Acacia erioloba
Acacia estrophiolata
Bark
Acacia greggii Bark
Acacia heterophylla
Bark
Acacia pennata trunk in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[edit] Foliage
Acacia catechu
Acacia collinsii Foliage
Acacia concinna Foliage
Acacia denticulosa Foliage
Acacia karroo Foliage
Acacia leprosa Foliage
Acacia pennata in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Acacia pennata at Ananthagiri Hills, in Rangareddy district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[edit] Seed pods
Acacia aneura
Acacia catechu
Acacia confusa
Acacia constricta
Acacia dealbata
Acacia heterophylla
Acacia melanoxylon
[edit] Seeds
Acacia baileyana
Acacia berlandieri
Acacia confusa
Acacia constricta
Acacia cyclops
Acacia dealbata
Acacia decurrens
Acacia farnesiana
Acacia greggii
Acacia longifolia
Acacia mearnsii
Acacia melanoxylon
Acacia pycnantha
Acacia rigidula
Acacia tortuosa
[edit] Thorns
Acacia catechu
Acacia collinsii
Acacia cornigera
Acacia horrida
Acacia farnesiana var. farnesiana
Acacia pennata in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[edit] Tree
Acacia aneura
Acacia berlandieri
Acacia confusa
Acacia constricta
Acacia dealbata
Acacia heterophylla
Acacia koa
Acacia leprosa
[edit] Wood
Acacia koa
Acacia heterophylla
Acacia schaffneri
[edit] See also
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Mimosoideae
Tribe: Acacieae
Genus: Acacia
Acacia (pronounced /əˈkeɪʃə/) is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae, first described in Africa by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1773. Many non-Australian species tend to be thorny, whereas the majority of Australian Acacias are not. They are pod-bearing, with sap and leaves typically bearing large amounts of tannins. The generic name derives from ακακία (akakia), the name given by early Greek botanist-physician Pedanius Dioscorides (ca. 40-90) to the medicinal tree A. nilotica in his book Materia Medica.[2] This name derives from the Greek word for its characteristic thorns, ακις (akis, thorn).[3] The species name nilotica was given by Linnaeus from this tree's best-known range along the Nile river.
Acacias are also known as thorntrees, whistling thorns or wattles, including the yellow-fever acacia and umbrella acacias.
Until 2005, there were thought to be roughly 1300 species of acacia worldwide, about 960 of them native to Australia, with the remainder spread around the tropical to warm-temperate regions of both hemispheres, including Europe, Africa, southern Asia, and the Americas. However, the genus was then divided into five, with the name Acacia retained for the Australian species, and most of the species outside Australia divided into Vachellia and Senegalia.
Classification
Acacia pycnantha
Acacia berlandieri
Acacia smallii
The genus Acacia is evidently not monophyletic. This discovery has led to the breaking up of Acacia into 5 new genera as discussed in: List of Acacia species. In common parlance, the term "acacia" is occasionally misapplied to species of the genus Robinia, which also belongs in the pea family. Robinia pseudoacacia, an American species locally known as Black Locust, is sometimes called "false acacia" in cultivation in the United Kingdom.
[edit] Geography
The southernmost species in the genus are Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle), Acacia longifolia (Coast Wattle or Sydney Golden Wattle), Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle), and Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood), reaching 43°30' S in Tasmania, Australia, while Acacia caven (Espinillo Negro) reaches nearly as far south in northeastern Chubut Province of Argentina. Australian species are usually called wattles, while African and American species tend to be known as acacias.
Acacia retinodes
Acacia albida, Acacia tortilis and Acacia iraqensis can be found growing wild in the Sinai desert and the Jordan valley. It is found in the savanna vegetation of the tropical continental climate. It grows wild in Montserrat West Indies; there it is locally referred to as 'cusha.'
[edit] Description
The leaves of acacias are compound pinnate in general. In some species, however, more especially in the Australian and Pacific islands species, the leaflets are suppressed, and the leaf-stalks (petioles) become vertically flattened, and serve the purpose of leaves. These are known as phyllodes. The vertical orientation of the phyllodes protects them from intense sunlight, as with their edges towards the sky and earth they do not intercept light so fully as horizontally placed leaves. A few species (such as Acacia glaucoptera) lack leaves or phyllodes altogether, but possess instead cladodes, modified leaf-like photosynthetic stems functioning as leaves.
Acacia dealbata
The small flowers have five very small petals, almost hidden by the long stamens, and are arranged in dense globular or cylindrical clusters; they are yellow or cream-colored in most species, whitish in some, even purple (Acacia purpureapetala) or red (Acacia leprosa Scarlet Blaze). Acacia flowers can be distinguished from those of a large related genus, Albizia, by their stamens which are not joined at the base. Also, unlike individual Mimosa flowers, those of Acacia have more than 10 stamens.[4]
The plants often bear spines, especially those species growing in arid regions. These sometimes represent branches which have become short, hard and pungent, or sometimes leaf-stipules. Acacia armata is the Kangaroo-thorn of Australia and Acacia erioloba is the Camelthorn of Africa.
Acacia seeds can be difficult to germinate. Research has found that immersing the seeds in various temperatures (usually around 80 °C) and manual seed coat chipping can improve yields to approximately 80 percent.[5]
[edit] Symbiosis
Acacia collinsii Thorns
In the Central American Acacia sphaerocephala, Acacia cornigera, and Acacia collinsii (collectively known as the bullthorn acacias), the large thorn-like stipules are hollow and afford shelter for several species of Pseudomyrmex ants, which feed on a secretion of sap on the leaf-stalk and small, lipid-rich food-bodies at the tips of the leaflets called Beltian bodies. In return, the ants add protection to the plant against herbivores.[6] Some species of ants will also fight off competing plants around the acacia, cutting off the offending plant's leaves with their jaws and ultimately killing it. Other associated ant species appear to do nothing to benefit their hosts.
Similar mutualisms with ants occur on Acacia trees in Africa, such as the Whistling Thorn acacia. The acacias provide shelter for ants in the thorns and nectar in extrafloral nectaries for their symbiotic ants such as Crematogaster mimosae. In turn, the ants protect the plant by attacking large mammalian herbivores and stem-boring beetles that damage the plant.
[edit] Pests
In Australia, Acacia species are sometimes used as food plants by the larvae of hepialid moths of the genus Aenetus including A. ligniveren. These burrow horizontally into the trunk then vertically down. Other Lepidoptera larvae which have been recorded feeding on Acacia include Brown-tail, Endoclita malabaricus and Turnip Moth. The leaf-mining larvae of some bucculatricid moths also feed on Acacia: Bucculatrix agilis feeds exclusively on Acacia horrida and Bucculatrix flexuosa feeds exclusively on Acacia nilotica.
Acacias contain a number of organic compounds that defend them from pests and grazing animals.[7]
[edit] Uses
[edit] Food uses
Acacia seed pods, also known as Guajes, served as part of a botana in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Acacia seeds are often used for food and a variety of other products.
In Burma, Laos and Thailand, the feathery shoots of Acacia pennata (common name cha-om, ชะอม and su pout ywet in Burmese) are used in soups, curries, omelettes, and stir-fries.
Honey made by bees using the acacia flower as forage is considered a delicacy, appreciated for its mild flowery taste, soft running texture and glass-like appearance. Acacia honey is one of the few honeys which does not crystallize.[8]
In Mexico the seeds are known as Guajes. Guajes or huajes are the flat, green pods of an acacia tree. The pods are sometimes light green or deep red in color—both taste the same. Guaje seeds are about the size of a small lima bean and are eaten raw with guacamole, sometimes cooked and made into a sauce. They can also be made into fritters. The ground seeds are used to impart a slightly garlicy flavor to a mole called guaxmole (huaxmole). The dried seeds may be toasted and salted and eaten as a snack referred to as "cacalas". Purchase whole long pods fresh or dried at Mexican specialty markets.
The first-known predominantly vegetarian spider Bagheera kiplingi, which is found in Central America and Mexico, was first documented and filmed in 2009 feeding from the tips of the acacia plants which are known as Beltian bodies which contain high concentrations of protein. All other 40,000 known species of spider's diets are mainly believed to be carnivorous.
Acacia is listed as an ingredient in Sun Drop, Fresca, a citrus soft drink, RC Cola, Barq's root beer, Full Throttle Unleaded Energy Drink, Strawberry-Lemonade Powerade[9] as well as in Läkerol pastille candies, Altoids mints,Langer's Pineapple coconut Juice and Wrigley's Eclipse chewing gum.
[edit] Gum
Various species of acacia yield gum. True gum arabic is the product of Acacia senegal, abundant in dry tropical West Africa from Senegal to northern Nigeria.
Acacia arabica is the gum-Arabic tree of India, but yields a gum inferior to the true gum-Arabic.
Acacia covenyi
[edit] Medicinal uses
Many Acacia species have important uses in traditional medicine. Most of the uses have been shown to have a scientific basis since chemical compounds found in the various species have medicinal effects.[citation needed]
In Ayurvedic medicine, Acacia nilotica is considered a remedy that is helpful for treating premature ejaculation. A 19th century Ethiopian medical text describes a potion made from an Ethiopian species of Acacia (known as grar) mixed with the root of the tacha, then boiled, as a cure for rabies.[10]
An astringent medicine high in tannins, called catechu or cutch, is procured from several species, but more especially from Acacia catechu, by boiling down the wood and evaporating the solution so as to get an extract.[11]
[edit] Ornamental uses
A few species are widely grown as ornamentals in gardens; the most popular perhaps is Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle), with its attractive glaucous to silvery leaves and bright yellow flowers; it is erroneously known as "mimosa" in some areas where it is cultivated, through confusion with the related genus Mimosa.
Another ornamental acacia is Acacia xanthophloea (Fever Tree). Southern European florists use Acacia baileyana, Acacia dealbata, Acacia pycnantha and Acacia retinodes as cut flowers and the common name there for them is mimosa.[12]
Ornamental species of acacia are also used by homeowners and landscape architects for home security. The sharp thorns of some species deter unauthorized persons from entering private properties, and may prevent break-ins if planted under windows and near drainpipes. The aesthetic characteristics of acacia plants, in conjunction with their home security qualities, makes them a considerable alternative to artificial fences and walls.
[edit] Paints
The ancient Egyptians used Acacia in paints.[13]
[edit] Perfume
Acacia farnesiana
Acacia farnesiana is used in the perfume industry due to its strong fragrance. The use of Acacia as a fragrance dates back centuries. In the Bible, burning of acacia wood as a form of incense is mentioned several times.
[edit] Symbolism and ritual
The Acacia is used as a symbol in Freemasonry, to represent purity and endurance of the soul, and as funerary symbolism signifying resurrection and immortality. The tree gains its importance from the description of the burial of Hiram Abiff, the builder of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.
Several parts (mainly bark, root and resin) of Acacia are used to make incense for rituals. Acacia is used in incense mainly in India, Nepal, Tibet and China. Smoke from Acacia bark is thought to keep demons and ghosts away and to put the gods in a good mood. Roots and resin from Acacia are combined with rhododendron, acorus, cytisus, salvia and some other components of incense. Both people and elephants like an alcoholic beverage made from acacia fruit.[14] According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, the Acacia tree may be the “burning bush” (Exodus 3:2) which Moses encountered in the desert.[15] Also, when God gave Moses the instructions for building the Tabernacle, he said to "make an ark of acacia wood" and "make a table of acacia wood" (Exodus 25:10 & 23, Revised Standard Version)
In Russia, Italy and other countries it is customary to present women with yellow mimosas (among other flowers) on International Women's Day (March 8). These "mimosas" are actually from Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle).
[edit] Tannin
A bottle of tannic acid.
The bark of various Australian species, known as wattles, is very rich in tannin and forms an important article of export; important species include Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle), Acacia decurrens (Tan Wattle), Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle) and Acacia mearnsii (Black Wattle).
Tannin Content of Various Acacia Species
Bark
Dried Leaves
Seed Pods
Species
Tannins [%]
Tannins [%]
Tannins [%]
Acacia albida
2-28%[16]
5-13%[16]
Acacia cavenia 32%[17]
Acacia dealbata 19.1%[18]
Acacia decurrens 37-40%[18]
Acacia farnesiana 23%[18]
Acacia mearnsii 25-35%[16]
Acacia melanoxylon 20%[17]
Acacia nilotica 18-23%*[16]
Acacia penninervis 18%[17]
Acacia pycnantha 30-45%[17] 15-16%[17]
Acacia saligna 21.5%[18]
Notes: * - Inner bark
Black Wattle is grown in plantations in South Africa. Most Australian acacia species introduced to South Africa have become an enormous problem, due to their naturally aggressive propagation. The pods of Acacia nilotica (under the name of neb-neb), and of other African species are also rich in tannin and used by tanners.
[edit] Wood
Acacia koa Wood
Acacia tree near the end of its range in the Negev Desert of southern Israel.
Some Acacia species are valuable as timber, such as Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood) from Australia, which attains a great size; its wood is used for furniture, and takes a high polish; and Acacia omalophylla (Myall Wood, also Australian), which yields a fragrant timber used for ornaments. Acacia seyal is thought to be the Shittah-tree of the Bible, which supplied shittim-wood. According to the Book of Exodus, this was used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant. Acacia koa from the Hawaiian Islands and Acacia heterophylla from Réunion island are both excellent timber trees. Depending on abundance and regional culture, some Acacia species (e.g. Acacia fumosa), are traditionally used locally as firewoods.[19]
Acacia heterophylla Wood
Approximate wood densities of various acacia species
Density
Heartwood Density
Sapwood Density
Species
[kg/m³]
[kg/m³]
[kg/m³]
Acacia acuminata
1040[20]
Acacia amythethophylla
1170[21]
Acacia catechu
880[22]
Acacia confusa
690-750[22]
Acacia erioloba
1230[21]
Acacia galpinii
800[21]
Acacia goetzii
1025[21]
Acacia karoo
800[21]
Acacia leucophloea
760[22]
Acacia melanoxylon
640[23]
Acacia mellifera subsp. mellifera
1100[21]
Acacia nilotica
700[22]
1170[21]
Acacia nilotica subsp. adstringens
827-945[21]
Acacia nilotica subsp. nilotica
800[21]
1170[21]
Acacia polyacantha subsp. campylacantha
705[21]
Acacia sieberiana
655[21]
In Indonesia (mainly in Sumatra) and in Malaysia (mainly in Sarawak) plantations of Acacia mangium are being established to supply pulpwood to the paper industry.
[edit] Land Reclamation
Acacia can be planted for erosion control, especially after mining or construction damage.[24]
[edit] Ecological invasion
For the same reasons it is favored as an erosion-control plant, with its easy spreading and resilience, some varieties of acacia, namely Acacia mearnsii, are potentially an invasive species. Introduced worldwide it has become an invasive plant which is taking over grasslands and the abandoned agricultural areas, especially in moderate coastal and island regions where mild climate propagates its spreading. Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment gives it a "high risk, score of 15" rating and it is considered one of the world's 100 most invasive species.[25] Extensive ecological studies should be performed before further introduction of acacia varieties as this fast-growing plant, once introduced, spreads fast and is extremely difficult to eradicate.
[edit] Phytochemistry of Acacia
[edit] Alkaloids
Egyptian goddess Isis
As mentioned previously, Acacias contain a number of organic compounds that defend them from pests and grazing animals.[7] Many of these compounds are psychoactive in humans. The alkaloids found in Acacias include dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and N-methyltryptamine (NMT). The plant leaves, stems and/or roots are sometimes made into a brew together with some MAOI-containing plant and consumed orally for healing, ceremonial or religious uses. Egyptian mythology has associated the acacia tree with characteristics of the tree of life (see the article on the Myth of Osiris and Isis).
Acacias Known to Contain Psychoactive Alkaloids
Acacia acuminata
Up to 1.5% alkaloids, mainly consisting of tryptamine in leaf[26]
Acacia adunca
β-methyl-phenethylamine, 2.4% in leaves[27]
Alpina mueller.jpg
Acacia alpina
Active principles in leaf[28]
Acacia aneura blossom.jpg
Acacia aneura
Ash used in Pituri.[29] Ether extracts about 2-6% of the dried leaf mass.[30] Not known if psychoactive per se.
Acacia angustissima usgs.png
Acacia angustissima
β-methyl-phenethylamine,[31] NMT and DMT in leaf (1.1-10.2 ppm)[32]
Acacia-aroma.jpg
Acacia aroma
Tryptamine alkaloids.[33] Significant amount of tryptamine in the seeds.[34]
Starr 031013-8001 Acacia auriculiformis.jpg
Acacia auriculiformis
5-MeO-DMT in stem bark[35]
Acacia baileyana.jpg
Acacia baileyana
0.02% tryptamine and β-carbolines, in the leaf, Tetrahydroharman[28][36][37]
Acacia beauverdiana
Psychoactive[38] Ash used in Pituri.[29]
Acacia-berlandieri-flowers4.jpg
Acacia berlandieri
DMT, amphetamines, mescaline, nicotine[39]
Koeh-003.jpg
Acacia catechu
DMT[40] and other tryptamines in leaf, bark
Acaciacaven29b.jpg
Acacia caven
Tryptamines
Acacia chundra
DMT and other tryptamines in leaf, bark
Acacia colei
DMT[41]
Acacia complanata
0.3% alkaloids in leaf and stem, almost all N-methyl-tetrahydroharman, with traces of tetrahydroharman, some of tryptamine[42][43][44]
Acacia concinna Blanco2.374.png
Acacia concinna
Nicotine[45]
Starr 050107-2872 Acacia confusa.jpg
Acacia confusa
DMT & NMT in leaf, stem & bark 0.04% NMT and 0.02% DMT in stem.[28] Also N,N-dimethyltryptamine N-oxide[46]
Acacia constricta flower.jpg
Acacia constricta
β-methyl-phenethylamine[31]
Acacia coriacea
Ash used in Pituri.[29][47] Not known if psychoactive.
A-cornigera.jpg
Acacia cornigera
Psychoactive,[47] Tryptamines[14]
Acacia cultriformis leaves.jpg
Acacia cultriformis
Tryptamine, in the leaf, stem[28] and seeds.[34] Phenethylamine in leaf and seeds[34]
Acacia cuthbertsonii
Psychoactive[38]
Acacia delibrata
Psychoactive[38]
Acacia falcata
Psychoactive,[38] but less than 0.02% alkaloids[37]
Acaciafarnesiana1web.jpg
Acacia farnesiana
Traces of 5-MeO-DMT[48] in fruit. β-methyl-phenethylamine, flower.[49] Ether extracts about 2-6% of the dried leaf mass.[30] Alkaloids are present in the bark[50] and leaves.[51] Amphetamines and mescaline also found in tree.[14]
Acacia filiciana
Added to Pulque, but not known if psychoactive[47]
Acacia floribunda
Tryptamine, phenethylamine,[52] in flowers[34] other tryptamines, phenethylamines[53]
Acacia greggii thorns.jpg
Acacia greggii
N-methyl-β-phenethylamine,[31] phenethylamine[7]
Acacia harpophylla
Phenethylamine, hordenine at a ratio of 2:3 in dried leaves, 0.6% total[27]
Acacia holoserica
Hordenine, 1.2% in bark[27]
Acacia-horrida.jpg
Acacia horrida
Psychoactive[47]
A.Implexa.jpg
Acacia implexa
Psychoactive[54]
Acacia jurema
DMT, NMT
Acacia karroo2.jpg
Acacia karroo
Psychoactive
Acacia kempeana
Used in Pituri, but not known if psychoactive.[47]
Acacia kettlewelliae
1.5[27]-1.88%[55] alkaloids, 92% consisting of phenylethylamine.[27] 0.9% N-methyl-2-
phenylethylamine found a different time.[27]
Acacia laeta
DMT, in the leaf[28]
Acacia lingulata
Used in Pituri, but not known if psychoactive.[47]
Acacia-longifolia-branch.jpg
Acacia longifolia
0.2% tryptamine in bark, leaves, some in flowers, phenylethylamine in flowers,[52] 0.2% DMT in plant.[56] Histamine alkaloids.[37]
Acacia longifolia
var. sophorae
Tryptamine in leaves, bark[34]
Acacia macradenia
Tryptamine[34]
Acacia maidenii.jpg
Acacia maidenii
0.6% NMT and DMT in about a 2:3 ratio in the stem bark, both present in leaves[28]
Starr 031013-8002 Acacia mangium.jpg
Acacia mangium
Psychoactive[47]
Acacia melanoxylon branch.jpg
Acacia melanoxylon
DMT, in the bark and leaf,[57] but less than 0.02% total alkaloids[37]
Acacia mellifera 3D-Modell.jpg
Acacia mellifera
DMT, in the leaf[28]
Babool (Acacia nilotica) leaves & spines at Hodal W IMG 1251.jpg
Acacia nilotica
DMT, in the leaf[28]
Acacia nilotica
subsp. adstringens
Psychoactive, DMT in the leaf
Acacia obtusifolia
Tryptamine, DMT, NMT, other tryptamines,[58] 0.4-0.5% in dried bark, 0.07% in branch tips.[59]
Acacia oerfota
Less than 0.1% DMT in leaf,[36][60] NMT
Acacia penninervis
Psychoactive[38]
Acacia phlebophylla.jpg
Acacia phlebophylla
0.3% DMT in leaf, NMT[28]
Starr 020911-0004 Acacia podalyriifolia.jpg
Acacia podalyriaefolia
Tryptamine in the leaf,[28] 0.5% to 2% DMT in fresh bark, phenethylamine, trace amounts[52]
Acacia polycantha.png
Acacia polyacantha
DMT in leaf[28] and other tryptamines in leaf, bark
Acacia polyacantha
ssp. campylacantha
Less than 0.2% DMT in leaf, NMT; DMT and other tryptamines in leaf, bark[61]
Acacia prominens
Phenylethylamine, β-methyl-phenethylamine[27][52]
Acacia pruinocarpa
Ash used in Pituri.[29][47] Not known if psychoactive.
Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle.jpg
Acacia pycnantha
Ash used in Pituri,[47] but less than 0.02% total alkaloids.[37] Not known if psychoactive.
Acacia melanoxylon2.jpg
Acacia retinodes
DMT, NMT,[62] nicotine,[14] but less than 0.02% total alkaloids found[37]
Acacia rigidula.jpg
Acacia rigidula
DMT, NMT, tryptamine, amphetamines, mescaline, nicotine and others[63]
Acacia roemeriana 01nsh.jpg
Acacia roemeriana
β-methyl-phenethylamine[31]
Acacia-salicina-pod-w-seeds.jpg
Acacia salicina
Ash used in Pituri.[29][47] Not known if psychoactive.
Acacia sassa
Psychoactive[47]
Acacia-schaffneri-seed-pods.jpg
Acacia schaffneri
β-methyl-phenethylamine, Phenethylamine[7] Amphetamines and mescaline also found.[14]
Acacia schottii
β-methyl-phenethylamine[31]
Koeh-004.jpg
Acacia senegal
Less than 0.1% DMT in leaf,[28] NMT, other tryptamines. DMT in plant,[49] DMT in bark.[34]
Acacia-seyal-leaves.jpg
Acacia seyal
DMT, in the leaf.[28] Ether extracts about 1-7% of the dried leaf mass.[30]
Img00522-A-sieberiana.jpg
Acacia sieberiana
DMT, in the leaf[28]
Acacia simplex.jpg
Acacia simplex
DMT and NMT, in the leaf, stem and trunk bark, 0.81% DMT in bark, MMT[28][64]
Acacia taxensis
β-methyl-phenethylamine[31]
Eat267.jpg
Acacia tortilis
DMT, NMT, and other tryptamines[58]
Acacia vestita
Tryptamine, in the leaf and stem,[28] but less than 0.02% total alkaloids[37]
Acacia victoriae
Tryptamines, 5-MeO-alkyltryptamine[34]
[edit] List of acacia species having little or no alkaloids in the material sampled:[37]
0% \le C \le 0.02%, C...Concentration of Alkaloids [%]
* Acacia acinacea
* Acacia baileyana
* Acacia decurrens
* Acacia dealbata
* Acacia mearnsii
* Acacia drummondii
* Acacia elata
* Acacia falcata
* Acacia leprosa
* Acacia linearis
* Acacia melanoxylon
* Acacia pycnantha
* Acacia retinodes
* Acacia saligna
* Acacia stricta
* Acacia verticillata
* Acacia vestita
[edit] Cyanogenic glycosides
Nineteen different species of Acacia in the Americas contain cyanogenic glycosides, which, if exposed to an enzyme which specifically splits glycosides, can release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the acacia "leaves."[65] This sometimes results in the poisoning death of livestock.
If fresh plant material spontaneously produces 200 ppm or more HCN, then it is potentially toxic. This corresponds to about 7.5 μmol HCN per gram of fresh plant material. It turns out that, if acacia "leaves" lack the specific glycoside-splitting enzyme, then they may be less toxic than otherwise, even those containing significant quantities of cyanic glycosides.[37]
Some Acacia species containing cyanogens:
* Acacia erioloba
* Acacia cunninghamii
* Acacia obtusifolia
* Acacia sieberiana
* Acacia sieberiana var. woodii[66]
[edit] Species
There are over 1,300 species of Acacia. See List of Acacia species for a more complete listing.
[edit] Famous acacia
Perhaps the most famous acacia is the Arbre du Ténéré in Niger. The reason for the tree's fame is that it used to be the most isolated tree in the world, approximately 400 km (249 mi) from any other tree. The tree was knocked down by a truck driver in 1973.
[edit] Identification gallery
[edit] Flowers
Acacia aneura
Acacia catechu
Acacia baileyana
Acacia berlandieri
Acacia confusa
Acacia constricta, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Acacia covenyi
Acacia dealbata
Acacia denticulosa
Acacia drummodii
Acacia erioloba Sossusvlei, Namibia
Acacia fimbriata Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
Acacia heterophylla
Acacia longifolia
Acacia melanoxylon Nazaré, Portugal
Acacia saligna Side, Turkey
Acacia schinoides Australian National Botanic Gardens
Acacia tetragonophylla Geelong Botanic Gardens, Victoria, Australia
Acacia pennata in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Acacia pennata at Ananthagiri Hills, in Rangareddy district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[edit] Bark
Acacia aneura Bark
Acacia auriculiformis
Bark
Acacia berlandieri Bark
Acacia collinsii Bark
Acacia confusa Bark, Hawaii, USA
Acacia dealbata
Acacia decurrens
Acacia erioloba
Acacia estrophiolata
Bark
Acacia greggii Bark
Acacia heterophylla
Bark
Acacia pennata trunk in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[edit] Foliage
Acacia catechu
Acacia collinsii Foliage
Acacia concinna Foliage
Acacia denticulosa Foliage
Acacia karroo Foliage
Acacia leprosa Foliage
Acacia pennata in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Acacia pennata at Ananthagiri Hills, in Rangareddy district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[edit] Seed pods
Acacia aneura
Acacia catechu
Acacia confusa
Acacia constricta
Acacia dealbata
Acacia heterophylla
Acacia melanoxylon
[edit] Seeds
Acacia baileyana
Acacia berlandieri
Acacia confusa
Acacia constricta
Acacia cyclops
Acacia dealbata
Acacia decurrens
Acacia farnesiana
Acacia greggii
Acacia longifolia
Acacia mearnsii
Acacia melanoxylon
Acacia pycnantha
Acacia rigidula
Acacia tortuosa
[edit] Thorns
Acacia catechu
Acacia collinsii
Acacia cornigera
Acacia horrida
Acacia farnesiana var. farnesiana
Acacia pennata in Talakona forest, in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India.
[edit] Tree
Acacia aneura
Acacia berlandieri
Acacia confusa
Acacia constricta
Acacia dealbata
Acacia heterophylla
Acacia koa
Acacia leprosa
[edit] Wood
Acacia koa
Acacia heterophylla
Acacia schaffneri
[edit] See also
Bintangor
Calophyllum / Bintangor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Clusiaceae
Subfamily: Kielmeyeroideae
Tribe: Calophylleae
Genus: Calophyllum
Calophyllum is a flowering plant genus of around 180-200 species of tropical evergreen trees in the family Clusiaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek words καλος (kalos), meaning "beautiful", and φυλλον (phullon), meaning "leaf." Its members are native to Australasia, Madagascar, Eastern Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Latin America. The common names, as well as commercial names, for these trees are:
* Teitai (in Kiribati),
* Feta'u (in Tonga),[1]
* Nyamplung or Kosambi (in Indonesia)
* Bintangor tree (in Malaysia) and
* Poon tree (in India),
* Guanandi, Jacareuba or Santa Maria (in Latin America).
Habitat
These species grow in a wide number of habitats, from ridges in mountain forests to coastal swamps, lowland forest and even coral cays. They are large hardwoods, attaining 30 m in height and 0.8 m in diameter. It presents shiny and leathery leaves. The tree bark is grey or white and decorticates in large thin strips. The wood is light in weight, the heartwood pink-red, or almost brown, while the sapwood varies from species to species, often from yellow, brown (often with pink tints) to orange. Species occurring in Papua New Guinea are often buttressed.
[edit] Uses
Several species have been found to contain naturally occurring calanolides in various quantities.[clarification needed]
The lightweight hardwood of these species is used in boatmaking for masts and spars, as well as in luxury furniture and flooring.
For medicinal (folk medicine and ethnopharmacology) uses of leaves, oil from nuts and crost balsam,[clarification needed] for HIV and AIDS, see calanolide A and calanolide B,[2] Jacareubin,[3] Tamanu oil,[4] and Calophyllic acid.[5] For medicinal use from their resin, see tacamahac.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Clusiaceae
Subfamily: Kielmeyeroideae
Tribe: Calophylleae
Genus: Calophyllum
Calophyllum is a flowering plant genus of around 180-200 species of tropical evergreen trees in the family Clusiaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek words καλος (kalos), meaning "beautiful", and φυλλον (phullon), meaning "leaf." Its members are native to Australasia, Madagascar, Eastern Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Latin America. The common names, as well as commercial names, for these trees are:
* Teitai (in Kiribati),
* Feta'u (in Tonga),[1]
* Nyamplung or Kosambi (in Indonesia)
* Bintangor tree (in Malaysia) and
* Poon tree (in India),
* Guanandi, Jacareuba or Santa Maria (in Latin America).
Habitat
These species grow in a wide number of habitats, from ridges in mountain forests to coastal swamps, lowland forest and even coral cays. They are large hardwoods, attaining 30 m in height and 0.8 m in diameter. It presents shiny and leathery leaves. The tree bark is grey or white and decorticates in large thin strips. The wood is light in weight, the heartwood pink-red, or almost brown, while the sapwood varies from species to species, often from yellow, brown (often with pink tints) to orange. Species occurring in Papua New Guinea are often buttressed.
[edit] Uses
Several species have been found to contain naturally occurring calanolides in various quantities.[clarification needed]
The lightweight hardwood of these species is used in boatmaking for masts and spars, as well as in luxury furniture and flooring.
For medicinal (folk medicine and ethnopharmacology) uses of leaves, oil from nuts and crost balsam,[clarification needed] for HIV and AIDS, see calanolide A and calanolide B,[2] Jacareubin,[3] Tamanu oil,[4] and Calophyllic acid.[5] For medicinal use from their resin, see tacamahac.
Juni 20, 2010
Eusideroxylon Zwageri ( Kayu Ulin)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Magnoliids
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Eusideroxylon
Species: E. zwageri
Binomial name
Eusideroxylon zwageri
Teysm. & Binnend.
Eusideroxylon zwageri, is one of the four species of the genus. The other three species it may be confused with are Eusideroxylon borneense, Eusideroxylon melagangai and Eusideroxylon lauriflora. It is known colloquially in English as Borneo ironwood and occasionally bilian ironwood or bilian. Other Common Names include Tambulian Tagalog, kayu ulin and belian Indonesian and belian and its corruption in modern Malaysian: bilian. In French it is known as: Bois de fer and in German: Borneo Eisenholz. Some less common names include: Im muk, Ong len (both Chinese); Tulian, Tebelian, Sakian, Biliran: all regional vernacular corruptions of belian and tambulian. Sulawesi shipbuilders often refer to the wood as kayo bado (Modern Indonesian: kayu bada: "inexpressible ([sic wonderful] wood") (or kayo sappu: "broom wood").[1]
It is endemic to Brunei; Flores, Java, Kalimantan and Sumatra in Indonesia; the Sabah and Sarawak states of Malaysia; and the Sulu archipelago of the Philippines[2]. It is threatened by habitat loss. The government of Indonesia and the state government of Sarawak have formally banned the export of this species. Illegal smuggling especially by migrant Chinese continues to be major problem.[3]
This very important tree is one of the most durable and heaviest timbers in the world. It is now threatened by over-exploitation, lack of regeneration and difficulties in cultivation.[4]
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Appearance and Growth
* 2 Habitat and Distribution
* 3 Silviculture
* 4 Properties
* 5 Usage
* 6 Endangered Status
* 7 Trade
* 8 Malaysian Timber Theft
* 9 Indigenous Beliefs
* 10 References
* 11 Additional References
* 12 External links
[edit] Appearance and Growth
Eusideroxylon zwageri henceforth referred to as belian, is a slow growing tall evergreen tree with a straight bole (usually host to Cassytha a parasitic vine with leaves reduced to scales up to half of the tree height. It is slightly fluted at the base, up to 150–220 cm in diameter. The trunk has many small, rounded buttresses that give the base and elephant-foot like appearance. Belian can grow to attain over 1000 years of age. Common commercially exploitable trees attains a height of 30 or more metres (100 ft) with trunk diameters of exploitable trees up to 92 cm (36 inches). Protected trees are towering giants of the forest attaining a height of up to 50 metres and a diameter of 220 cm- though height is routinely reduced by lightening strike.[5]
The belian trees' leaves are dark green, simple, leathery, elliptical to ovate, 14-18 long (5.5-7.5 inches) and 5–11 cm wide (2-4 inches), and are alternate, rarely whorled or opposite, without stipules and petiolate . The Leaf blade is unlobed (unlobed or lobed in Sassafras ) the margins entire and occasionally with domatia (crevices or hollows serving as lodging for mites) in axils of main lateral veins (in Cinnamomum ).[6]
Inflorescences in axils of leaves or deciduous bracts include, panicles (rarely heads), racemes , compound cymes, or pseudoumbels (spikes in Cassytha ), sometimes enclosed by decussate bracts.[7] The flowers of the belian are bisexual only or staminate and bisexual on some plants, pistillate and bisexual on others. The flowers are usually yellow to greenish or white, rarely reddish. The hypanthium are well-developed, resembling calyx tube tepals and the stamens perigynous. The tepals are in groups of 6 to 9, in 2 or 3 whorls of 3 and sepaloid. If tepals are unequal will then usually possess 3 outer smaller rather than inner 3. This is occasionally absent in Litsea. The stamens are in groups of 3n and in whorls of 3, but 1 or more whorls frequently staminodial or absent. The stamens of the third whorl has 2 glands near base, There are 2-4 locular, with locules opening by valves.[8]
There is one pistil and one carpellate. Thre is one locular ovary of placentation basal; one ovule; stigma subsessile , discoid or capitate. The fruits drupes, drupe borne on pedicel with or without persistent tepals at base, or seated in ± deeply cup-shaped receptacle (cupule), or enclosed in accrescent floral tube . In the fruit there is one seed with endosperm absent. The fruits are poisonous to humans but have medicinal properties.[9]
The parasite vine, Cassytha is sometimes placed in its own family, Cassythaceae.
[edit] Habitat and Distribution
It grows in lowland primary and secondary forest up to 500m altitude. It prefers well-drained soils, sandy to clay-loam, sometimes limestone. It is commonly found along rivers and adjacent hills. It requires an average annual rainfall of 2500–4000 mm. It occurs scattered or is gregarious.[10] Seedlings require some shade, while older trees need plenty of light.[11] It can be found in valleys and on hillsides and even on low ridges when soil moisture is sufficient at elevations between sea level and 625 m. The standing timber volume of trees with a diameter of over 50 cm may be as much as 90-112 m3.[12]
It is native and endemic to occurs Indonesia: in Java and eastern and southern Sumatra and all areas suitable in Kalimantan; Bangka, Belitung, Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysia (also known as Northern Borneo) and the Sulu archipelago and Palawan of the Philippines.
[edit] Silviculture
The belian has a very slow growth rate of mean radial growth of 0.058 cm per year. The belian is a canopy species in primary forests. The species is considered unsuitable for large-scale plantations due to slow growth and inadequate seed and seedling supply. Manual selection of trees in natural forests is common.[13][14]
[edit] Properties
The heartwood when cut is coloured light brown to almost bright yellow. During the aging process the heartwood darkens to deep reddish brown, very dark brown or almost black. The sapwood is bright yellow, when cut and darkens slightly. The wood texture is fine and even, with a straight grain or only slightly interlocked. The timber retains a pleasant lemon odour. This odour along with the woods' natural high lustre make it prized by cabinet-makers and fine furniture craftsmen.
The wood is dense (0.85 – 1.1 g/cm³)? and texture is moderately fine to fine and even. Also attractive to users is the belian's resistance to insects, bacteria, fungi and marine borers.[15] The wood has anti-bacterial properties (for local medicinal use)[16] Vessels are diffuse-porous, medium-sized and generally evenly distributed, arranged in short radial rows (2-3 vessels). Moderate abundancy of aliform paratracheal parenchyma. Growth rings boundaries are indistinct or absent. Tyloses are often present.[17]
The [belian has a radial shrinkage rate of 2-4.5% and an tangential shrinkage rate of tangential 4.5-7.5%. The timber dries slowly and care is needed to avoid checks and splits
The belian wood is famed for its' easy working characteristics, despite high density. The wood planes, bores and turns cleanly producing smooth and often lustrous surfaces. Nailing requires pre-bores prior to nailing. Saw blades and cutting instruments are only moderate blunted during working the timber. Apparently, belian wood is difficult to glue with synthetic resins.[18]
Durability: heartwood is rated as very durable – immune to termite attack; service life of up to 100 years in direct soil contact and more than 20 years for marine work in tropical waters has been reported
[edit] Usage
Due to the excellent resistance to bacterial, fungal, insect and marine borer attack the wood is highly prized for many outdoor uses. Additionally, the belian wood's high density and easy workability lend it to particularly desirability in maritime structures, dock construction and ship building, especially Indonesia's famous pinisi sail-boat.[19] Common local uses include: House construction, door construction, water butts and troughs, boat building (Pinisi), tools, tool handles, talisman, jewellery, medicinal slivers(for wounds, cuts, abrasions, bites and tooth-ache/infection), bridges, blowpipes? and spear shafts.
Internationally, it is renowned for heavy construction such as a buffer between transportation trailers and heavy steel fabrications (such as boilers, pressure vessels, reactors and many others). It is also frequently found in dry docks as a timber to separate the hull of ships from the steel supporting stands. Other uses include use in boats and ships, industrial flooring, roofing (as shingles), fine indoor and outdoor furniture, coffin wood (esteemed by Chinese due to ability to withstand rot and insect attack) and tool handles (especially those exposed to continual high impact (belian wood does not splinter and thus injure hands, eyes or endanger the operator on catastrophic failure) such as shovels, axes, block splitters, sledge hammers, heavy mallets, demolition hammers, mattocks, picks, hoes] and hammers). Some expert cabinet-makers treasure a belian-headed carpenter's mallet as an excellent intermediate density hammer face between the usual wood and a metal one- and is able to quite easily tap or "whack" stubborn highly-polished metal fixtures without damage to the face or the fixture.
Other sources indicate belian often used for marine constructions such as pilings, wharfs, docks, sluices, dams, ships, bridges, but also used for power line poles, masts, roof shingles and house posts and to a minor extent as frame, board, heavy duty flooring, railway sleepers, fencing material, furniture etc.
[edit] Endangered Status
The decline of berlian which was first noted in 1955. Browne (1955) stated: “Our surviving supplies of Belian are by no means very large and undoubtedly dwindling.” Population reduction has been noted in the following regions: Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sabah, Sarawak and the Philippines[20]. IUCN has categorized it Vulnerable A1cd and A2cd[21]. CITES listed II Bi (unsustainable level of exploitation from the wild for international trade)[22]. Regeneration in logged-over forests is limited.[23][24]
The species is threatened by over-exploitation, predominantly by illegal migrant loggers. Current demand for the timber is fueled for its esteem among Chinese as a coffin wood (as it is resistant to insect and rot). Included in list of vanishing timber species of the Philippines and considered almost extinct in Sabah. In Java and Sumateera it exists solely in National Parks. Currently the situation is assessed as a serious depletion of stands. The species is only planted on a small scale because the supply of seeds and seedlings is inadequate. The world-famous ITB Bogor Agricultural Institute (Insitut Pertanian Bogor)( os currently breeding a generation of plants more hardy than the wild harvested seeds [25][26]
[edit] Trade
Indonesia has a total prohibition on the export of belian and cutting is restricted to trees less than 60 cm diameter measured at breast height. In Sarawak export in any form is not allowed without special permission. Sabah still allows export.
[edit] Malaysian Timber Theft
The bulk of all belian wood is found in Kalimantan, bordering the Malaysian states of almost exhausted Sabah and essentially extinct tracts of Sarawak[27] Motivated by the high price per cubic metre, Malaysian illegal loggers have been documented felling, transporting via river and river barge Indonesian protected trees into bordering Sabah[28].
In addition to the issue surrounding the sovereignty of the Andaman Islands and continuing spats over the delineation of Malaysian-Indonesian borders- this outraged the Indonesian public, who had been educated to conserve and protect this tree on pain of severe penalty rioted in protest in Jakarta and Pontianak and publicly called for the resurrection of the Crush Malaysia policy known as Ganyang Melayu albeit terming Ganyang Maling-sia (Maling: Indonesian and Malaysian for a common thief)[29].
The government of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono dispatched heavily armed Forestry Wardens to deter the thieves. It is expected this issue will be one of the foremost challenges of the winner of the 2009 Indonesian Presidential Election, with the winner expected to take a far stronger and militant stand on Malaysian theft of resources[30].
[edit] Indigenous Beliefs
Many Dayak believe that the belian wood acts as a protective talisman to avoid attack from tigers and elephants. The Dayak believe that this use of the belian talisman and the stands of belian trees was and is the sole cause of a lack of Sumatran elephants or Sumatran Tigers in Kalimantan and Sarawak. The potent 'elephant and tiger repellent' is alleged to be the belian sap (which has a strong, pleasant lemon-like odour).
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Magnoliids
Order: Laurales
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Eusideroxylon
Species: E. zwageri
Binomial name
Eusideroxylon zwageri
Teysm. & Binnend.
Eusideroxylon zwageri, is one of the four species of the genus. The other three species it may be confused with are Eusideroxylon borneense, Eusideroxylon melagangai and Eusideroxylon lauriflora. It is known colloquially in English as Borneo ironwood and occasionally bilian ironwood or bilian. Other Common Names include Tambulian Tagalog, kayu ulin and belian Indonesian and belian and its corruption in modern Malaysian: bilian. In French it is known as: Bois de fer and in German: Borneo Eisenholz. Some less common names include: Im muk, Ong len (both Chinese); Tulian, Tebelian, Sakian, Biliran: all regional vernacular corruptions of belian and tambulian. Sulawesi shipbuilders often refer to the wood as kayo bado (Modern Indonesian: kayu bada: "inexpressible ([sic wonderful] wood") (or kayo sappu: "broom wood").[1]
It is endemic to Brunei; Flores, Java, Kalimantan and Sumatra in Indonesia; the Sabah and Sarawak states of Malaysia; and the Sulu archipelago of the Philippines[2]. It is threatened by habitat loss. The government of Indonesia and the state government of Sarawak have formally banned the export of this species. Illegal smuggling especially by migrant Chinese continues to be major problem.[3]
This very important tree is one of the most durable and heaviest timbers in the world. It is now threatened by over-exploitation, lack of regeneration and difficulties in cultivation.[4]
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Appearance and Growth
* 2 Habitat and Distribution
* 3 Silviculture
* 4 Properties
* 5 Usage
* 6 Endangered Status
* 7 Trade
* 8 Malaysian Timber Theft
* 9 Indigenous Beliefs
* 10 References
* 11 Additional References
* 12 External links
[edit] Appearance and Growth
Eusideroxylon zwageri henceforth referred to as belian, is a slow growing tall evergreen tree with a straight bole (usually host to Cassytha a parasitic vine with leaves reduced to scales up to half of the tree height. It is slightly fluted at the base, up to 150–220 cm in diameter. The trunk has many small, rounded buttresses that give the base and elephant-foot like appearance. Belian can grow to attain over 1000 years of age. Common commercially exploitable trees attains a height of 30 or more metres (100 ft) with trunk diameters of exploitable trees up to 92 cm (36 inches). Protected trees are towering giants of the forest attaining a height of up to 50 metres and a diameter of 220 cm- though height is routinely reduced by lightening strike.[5]
The belian trees' leaves are dark green, simple, leathery, elliptical to ovate, 14-18 long (5.5-7.5 inches) and 5–11 cm wide (2-4 inches), and are alternate, rarely whorled or opposite, without stipules and petiolate . The Leaf blade is unlobed (unlobed or lobed in Sassafras ) the margins entire and occasionally with domatia (crevices or hollows serving as lodging for mites) in axils of main lateral veins (in Cinnamomum ).[6]
Inflorescences in axils of leaves or deciduous bracts include, panicles (rarely heads), racemes , compound cymes, or pseudoumbels (spikes in Cassytha ), sometimes enclosed by decussate bracts.[7] The flowers of the belian are bisexual only or staminate and bisexual on some plants, pistillate and bisexual on others. The flowers are usually yellow to greenish or white, rarely reddish. The hypanthium are well-developed, resembling calyx tube tepals and the stamens perigynous. The tepals are in groups of 6 to 9, in 2 or 3 whorls of 3 and sepaloid. If tepals are unequal will then usually possess 3 outer smaller rather than inner 3. This is occasionally absent in Litsea. The stamens are in groups of 3n and in whorls of 3, but 1 or more whorls frequently staminodial or absent. The stamens of the third whorl has 2 glands near base, There are 2-4 locular, with locules opening by valves.[8]
There is one pistil and one carpellate. Thre is one locular ovary of placentation basal; one ovule; stigma subsessile , discoid or capitate. The fruits drupes, drupe borne on pedicel with or without persistent tepals at base, or seated in ± deeply cup-shaped receptacle (cupule), or enclosed in accrescent floral tube . In the fruit there is one seed with endosperm absent. The fruits are poisonous to humans but have medicinal properties.[9]
The parasite vine, Cassytha is sometimes placed in its own family, Cassythaceae.
[edit] Habitat and Distribution
It grows in lowland primary and secondary forest up to 500m altitude. It prefers well-drained soils, sandy to clay-loam, sometimes limestone. It is commonly found along rivers and adjacent hills. It requires an average annual rainfall of 2500–4000 mm. It occurs scattered or is gregarious.[10] Seedlings require some shade, while older trees need plenty of light.[11] It can be found in valleys and on hillsides and even on low ridges when soil moisture is sufficient at elevations between sea level and 625 m. The standing timber volume of trees with a diameter of over 50 cm may be as much as 90-112 m3.[12]
It is native and endemic to occurs Indonesia: in Java and eastern and southern Sumatra and all areas suitable in Kalimantan; Bangka, Belitung, Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysia (also known as Northern Borneo) and the Sulu archipelago and Palawan of the Philippines.
[edit] Silviculture
The belian has a very slow growth rate of mean radial growth of 0.058 cm per year. The belian is a canopy species in primary forests. The species is considered unsuitable for large-scale plantations due to slow growth and inadequate seed and seedling supply. Manual selection of trees in natural forests is common.[13][14]
[edit] Properties
The heartwood when cut is coloured light brown to almost bright yellow. During the aging process the heartwood darkens to deep reddish brown, very dark brown or almost black. The sapwood is bright yellow, when cut and darkens slightly. The wood texture is fine and even, with a straight grain or only slightly interlocked. The timber retains a pleasant lemon odour. This odour along with the woods' natural high lustre make it prized by cabinet-makers and fine furniture craftsmen.
The wood is dense (0.85 – 1.1 g/cm³)? and texture is moderately fine to fine and even. Also attractive to users is the belian's resistance to insects, bacteria, fungi and marine borers.[15] The wood has anti-bacterial properties (for local medicinal use)[16] Vessels are diffuse-porous, medium-sized and generally evenly distributed, arranged in short radial rows (2-3 vessels). Moderate abundancy of aliform paratracheal parenchyma. Growth rings boundaries are indistinct or absent. Tyloses are often present.[17]
The [belian has a radial shrinkage rate of 2-4.5% and an tangential shrinkage rate of tangential 4.5-7.5%. The timber dries slowly and care is needed to avoid checks and splits
The belian wood is famed for its' easy working characteristics, despite high density. The wood planes, bores and turns cleanly producing smooth and often lustrous surfaces. Nailing requires pre-bores prior to nailing. Saw blades and cutting instruments are only moderate blunted during working the timber. Apparently, belian wood is difficult to glue with synthetic resins.[18]
Durability: heartwood is rated as very durable – immune to termite attack; service life of up to 100 years in direct soil contact and more than 20 years for marine work in tropical waters has been reported
[edit] Usage
Due to the excellent resistance to bacterial, fungal, insect and marine borer attack the wood is highly prized for many outdoor uses. Additionally, the belian wood's high density and easy workability lend it to particularly desirability in maritime structures, dock construction and ship building, especially Indonesia's famous pinisi sail-boat.[19] Common local uses include: House construction, door construction, water butts and troughs, boat building (Pinisi), tools, tool handles, talisman, jewellery, medicinal slivers(for wounds, cuts, abrasions, bites and tooth-ache/infection), bridges, blowpipes? and spear shafts.
Internationally, it is renowned for heavy construction such as a buffer between transportation trailers and heavy steel fabrications (such as boilers, pressure vessels, reactors and many others). It is also frequently found in dry docks as a timber to separate the hull of ships from the steel supporting stands. Other uses include use in boats and ships, industrial flooring, roofing (as shingles), fine indoor and outdoor furniture, coffin wood (esteemed by Chinese due to ability to withstand rot and insect attack) and tool handles (especially those exposed to continual high impact (belian wood does not splinter and thus injure hands, eyes or endanger the operator on catastrophic failure) such as shovels, axes, block splitters, sledge hammers, heavy mallets, demolition hammers, mattocks, picks, hoes] and hammers). Some expert cabinet-makers treasure a belian-headed carpenter's mallet as an excellent intermediate density hammer face between the usual wood and a metal one- and is able to quite easily tap or "whack" stubborn highly-polished metal fixtures without damage to the face or the fixture.
Other sources indicate belian often used for marine constructions such as pilings, wharfs, docks, sluices, dams, ships, bridges, but also used for power line poles, masts, roof shingles and house posts and to a minor extent as frame, board, heavy duty flooring, railway sleepers, fencing material, furniture etc.
[edit] Endangered Status
The decline of berlian which was first noted in 1955. Browne (1955) stated: “Our surviving supplies of Belian are by no means very large and undoubtedly dwindling.” Population reduction has been noted in the following regions: Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sabah, Sarawak and the Philippines[20]. IUCN has categorized it Vulnerable A1cd and A2cd[21]. CITES listed II Bi (unsustainable level of exploitation from the wild for international trade)[22]. Regeneration in logged-over forests is limited.[23][24]
The species is threatened by over-exploitation, predominantly by illegal migrant loggers. Current demand for the timber is fueled for its esteem among Chinese as a coffin wood (as it is resistant to insect and rot). Included in list of vanishing timber species of the Philippines and considered almost extinct in Sabah. In Java and Sumateera it exists solely in National Parks. Currently the situation is assessed as a serious depletion of stands. The species is only planted on a small scale because the supply of seeds and seedlings is inadequate. The world-famous ITB Bogor Agricultural Institute (Insitut Pertanian Bogor)( os currently breeding a generation of plants more hardy than the wild harvested seeds [25][26]
[edit] Trade
Indonesia has a total prohibition on the export of belian and cutting is restricted to trees less than 60 cm diameter measured at breast height. In Sarawak export in any form is not allowed without special permission. Sabah still allows export.
[edit] Malaysian Timber Theft
The bulk of all belian wood is found in Kalimantan, bordering the Malaysian states of almost exhausted Sabah and essentially extinct tracts of Sarawak[27] Motivated by the high price per cubic metre, Malaysian illegal loggers have been documented felling, transporting via river and river barge Indonesian protected trees into bordering Sabah[28].
In addition to the issue surrounding the sovereignty of the Andaman Islands and continuing spats over the delineation of Malaysian-Indonesian borders- this outraged the Indonesian public, who had been educated to conserve and protect this tree on pain of severe penalty rioted in protest in Jakarta and Pontianak and publicly called for the resurrection of the Crush Malaysia policy known as Ganyang Melayu albeit terming Ganyang Maling-sia (Maling: Indonesian and Malaysian for a common thief)[29].
The government of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono dispatched heavily armed Forestry Wardens to deter the thieves. It is expected this issue will be one of the foremost challenges of the winner of the 2009 Indonesian Presidential Election, with the winner expected to take a far stronger and militant stand on Malaysian theft of resources[30].
[edit] Indigenous Beliefs
Many Dayak believe that the belian wood acts as a protective talisman to avoid attack from tigers and elephants. The Dayak believe that this use of the belian talisman and the stands of belian trees was and is the sole cause of a lack of Sumatran elephants or Sumatran Tigers in Kalimantan and Sarawak. The potent 'elephant and tiger repellent' is alleged to be the belian sap (which has a strong, pleasant lemon-like odour).
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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