Intsia palembanica is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The specific epithetpalembanica is for Palembang in Sumatra, Indonesia. Common names include Borneo teak,[4]Malacca teak and Moluccan ironwood.[5] It is native to a wide area of tropical Asia including Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.[1]Intsia palembanica differs from Intsia bijuga in the number of leaflets that make up the compound leaves.[6]
On the Indonesian island of Sumatra specifically, it is better-known as marbau, etymologically derived from Minangkabau, a native Sumatran language commonly spoken in western and southeastern Sumatra regions. It is anglicized as marbow in British English.[7]
Conservation
Cross-section of a Merbau tree trunk
Intsia palembanica has been assessed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. It is mainly threatened by logging for its timber, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. The timber is sold locally and internationally.[1]
Symbolism
On 23 August 2019, the tree, locally known as pokok merbau, officially became the national tree of Malaysia. The then-Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, stated that it represented the strength and endurance of Malaysia's people.[5][8]
1 2 "Merbau penuhi ciri Simbolik Malaysia"[Merbau meets the characteristics of Malaysia symbolic] (in Malay). Radio Televisyen Malaysia. 23 August 2019. Archived from the original on 24 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019. The Merbau Tree or its scientific name Intsia Palembanica is also known as Malacca Teak, Borneo Teak and Moluccan Ironwood for loggers.
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