Hopea odorata
| Hopea odorata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leaves of Hopea odorata | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Genus: | Hopea |
| Species: | H. odorata |
| Binomial name | |
| Hopea odorata | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
List
| |
Hopea odorata is a species of tree in the plant family Dipterocarpaceae. It is found in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1]
Description
[edit]H. odorata is a large tree reaching up to 45 m (150 ft) in height with the base of the trunk reaching a diameter of 4.5 m (15 ft). It grows in seasonal tropical forests, preferably near rivers, at elevations up to 900 m (3,000 ft). The seeds are about 6 mm, with two wings that are 50-60 mm long.[3] In places such as West Bengal, the Andaman Islands and southern Vietnam it is often planted as a shade tree.[4] Valued for its wood, which shows resistance to termites, it is a threatened species in its natural habitat.[1]
Traditions
[edit]In Thailand, where it is known as ta-khian (Thai: ตะเคียน), this tree is believed to be inhabited by a certain tree spirit known as Lady Ta-khian (Thai: นางตะเคียน), belonging to a type of ghosts related to trees known generically as Nang Mai (นางไม้).[5] This tree species is also the subject of legends in Cambodia, where it is known as Koki; in Vietnam it is called Sao đen.[3]
Gallery
[edit]
A leaf of Hopea odorata
Lengths of brocade tied around the exposed roots of a Hopea odorata tree (ตะเคียน) growing on a steep slope as an offering to Nang Ta-khian
Nang Ta-khian
Hopea odorata at Hùng Temple, Vietnam
Hopea odorata, Ta-khian trees, by Na Mueang Waterfalls, Koh Samui, Thailand.
Hopea odorata, Ta-khian trees with a shrine for the spirit Nang Ta-khian, by Na Mueang Waterfalls, Koh Samui, Thailand.
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Ly, V.; Newman, M.F.; Khou, E.; Barstow, M.; Hoang, V.S.; Nanthavong, K.; Pooma, R. (2017). "Hopea odorata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017 e.T32305A2813234. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T32305A2813234.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ↑ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- 1 2 Phạm Hoàng Hộ (1999) Cây Cỏ Việt Nam: an Illustrated Flora of Vietnam vol. I publ. Nhà Xuẩt Bản Trẻ, HCMC, VN
- ↑ AgroForestryTree Database - Species information
- ↑ Spirits
External links
[edit]
Media related to Hopea odorata at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Hopea odorata at Wikispecies- Hopea odorata Roxb.
- Buddha Magic Thai Beliefs in the Nang Ta-Khian Tree Spirit within Hopea Odorata trees
- Nang Ta-khian image at Suankularb Wittayalai Nonthaburi School
