CHENGAL PASIR (Hopea Odarata)
This tree has its origins in Indochina and the Northern Malayan peninsula. A tall evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 – 30 meters, it has a dense dark green conical-shaped crown. A Dipterocarp, it is a hardy and fast growing tree, well adapted in urban environments although it is usually found growing h=near rivers and streams in its natural habitat. Its trunk has a characteristically straight and upright cylindrical bole. The bark is grey brown in colour and irregularly fissured. The leaves are dark green with prominent veins. Flowers are small and pale yellow in colour. Flowering and fruiting are quite irregular and may only occur once in 2 to 3 years. The tree is increasingly popular as roadside plantings. Its attractive yellowish brown timber, sometimes known as Merawan, is very hard, heavy and resistant to fungal and termite attacks, thus ideal for general construction, furniture, flooring and weatherboards.