Appearance & recognition
The Borneo camphor tree can reach about 45 metres, supported by buttresses. Its relatively small leathery leaves contrast with the broad foliage of many keruing trees. White flowers are followed by nuts carried in a five-winged calyx. The tree belongs to Dipterocarpaceae; it is not the unrelated laurel-family camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora.
Sources & references · 1
National Parks Board Singapore · Dryobalanops aromatica — Flora & Fauna WebMaterials & other uses
Native to Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, this resinous forest tree supplies kapur timber used in construction, flooring and furniture. Camphor and timber are different products from the same tree. Its forest setting differs from the peat-associated Dryobalanops rappa, even though both belong to the same genus. Identification therefore needs more than the trade name kapur.
