The book describes a detailed systematic study on physical properties, gross and microscopic anatomical structures on genus Shorea of Malay origin for utilization and taxonomic significance. The book covers description of individual species of all the four groups viz balau, meranti pa’ang white meranti, meranti damar hitam yellow meranti and red meranti. Dichotomous and card keys are also prepared at species level for each group. The identity of different groups and the species of Shorea is defined on the basis of wood anatomical characters in the light of past workers.
The present work deals with wood anatomy and other properties of 54 species of Shorea. Out of that two species viz. S. robusta Gaertn. and S. tumbuggaia Roxb. exclusively belongs to India and S. Obtusa Wall to Myanmar. S. roxburghii G. Don. and S. assamica Dyer comon to Malay Peninsula and India. Each species of Shorea is described separately. Taxonomy and phylogeny is also discussed for different groups of Shorea in the light of past and present work. New name changes are also included in the text. Information on distribution, forms, strength, seasoning, natural durability, susceptibility to insect and fungus attack, preservative treatment, working qualities and uses are also compiled from different sources. Microphotographs of cross and tangential sections of all described species are also given in the book.
The publication will be helpful in the identification of the Shorea of Malay Peninsula and able to separate them with the Indian species. It will also serve as a reference book to all persons who engaged in wood research and utilization of different species of Shorea both at national and international level.
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