Fauna
Plant

Siamese Sal Wood

Shorea obtusa

Also known as Siamese Sal, Teng Tree, Burmese Sal

Siamese Sal Wood is a dominant deciduous hardwood tree that shapes the canopy of dry dipterocarp forests across Southeast Asia. Its deeply fissured, fire-resistant bark enables it to endure periodic dry season fires typical of monsoon climates. Shortly after losing its leaves, the tree produces clusters of fragrant yellow flowers followed by distinctive five-winged fruits that spin on the wind.

HardwoodMonsoon ForestDeciduous
Siamese Sal Wood reference
Lannafolium / CC0 · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic (Sunlight, Water, Soil Nutrients)
Predators
  • Wood-boring beetles
  • Leaf-eating caterpillars
  • Seed-eating rodents
ThreatsHabitat loss from agricultural conversion, unsustainable logging, excessive fire frequency
HabitatsDry dipterocarp forests, open savanna woodlands, rocky slopes
Life span100–250 years
Classification
  1. FamilyDipterocarpaceae
  2. SpeciesShorea obtusa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognize by its deeply ridged dark bark, thick oval leaves, and five-winged spinning samara fruits.
Support conservation
Avoid compacting root zones or stripping bark, and admire mature specimens without disturbing surrounding understory.
Responsible observation
  • Look for Wings: Examine fallen fruits during the dry season to spot five prominent aerodynamic wings.
  • Check Bark Patterns: Observe the thick, deeply fissured bark adapted to survive frequent low-intensity seasonal forest fires.
  • Time the Bloom: Watch for small, fragrant yellow flower clusters appearing right before new leaf flushing.
Related species
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