Facts about Merawan Pasir (Hopea ferruginea)

Hopea ferruginea is a plant species from the Dipterocarpaceae family, found in tropical forests such as Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsula. This exotic tree from Kalimantan can be found in the Manjau Village Forest, Laman Satong Village, where it is locally known as merawan pasir. The tree can grow up to 41 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 59 centimeters. It has reddish-brown bark with shallow grooves and bears simple, lanceolate-oblong shaped leaves.

With its strong and termite-resistant characteristics, the wood of Hopea ferruginea is suitable for use as a building material. Additionally, the tree is ideal for planting in parks and large gardens, and it can be tapped for resin extraction. However, Hopea ferruginea is classified as a Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List, indicating that its population is declining. Deforestation is the main factor contributing to the destruction of its natural habitat. Furthermore, illegal logging for commercial timber has also pushed this species toward extinction. Therefore, the conservation of biodiversity is essential to maintain the balance of forest ecosystems and protect species like Hopea ferruginea.

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