Details of Shorea assamica

1. Shorea assamica
Presented by
Gourismita Nath
Roll No. 7
11th
Batch FRO, TSFA

2. • Local Name: Mekahi (Assamese), White Meranti
(English)
• Family : Dipterocarpaceae
• Native to India, Indonesia, China, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand.
• In India, it is distributed in Assam (mainly
Lakhimpur/ Tinsukia), Meghalaya, Nagaland.
• Tall deciduous tree growing upto 50 metres height
with a prominent buttresses
• Light demander, sensitive to drought
• Conservation Status: Least Concern
Introduction

3. • Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Malvales
• Family: Dipterocarpaceae
• Genus: Shorea
• Species: A. assamica
Taxonomy

4. Ecology
• Habitat: primarily found in tropical forests with good light exposure; also on
slopes of evergreen forests, altitude 150-900 m
• Climate: Prefers annual rainfall: 2800-3500 mm;
tolerates temperature ranging from 10-32 degree Celsius;
• Soil: Prefers fertile, medium to heavy, acidic ( pH 4.5-5) soil
• Fire : It is not fire resistant

5. • Dome shaped crown of mature tree,
• Bark: irregularly exfoliating, light brown or reddish
brown,
• Leaves: simple, alternate, ovate or elliptic, lateral
veins sub parallel, curved near margins, stipules
large or small.
• Stem: The wood is of medium weight, moderately
hard, moderately durable, being susceptible to
fungi, dry wood borers and termites
• Flowers: bisexual with functional male (androecium)
and female (gynoecium), including stamens,
carpels and ovary, large, fragrant, petals 5, white,
pale yellow to pinkish strips,
• Fruit: capsule or nutlike, enclosed in calyx tube with
3 outer broader lobes that look like wings. 1 Seed
per fruit and fleshy
Morphology

6. Phenology
• Flowering: May-July
• Fruiting: July- October
• Leaf Shading: October-November
• Recalcitrant type of seed
• Fresh seeds exhibit 60-90% germination rates

7. Propagation
Natural Regeneration:
• Seed dispersal: mature seeds are dispersed naturally by wind, water, or
animals. Seeds that land in suitable conditions germinate and develop
into seedlings
• Coppicing: Mekai regenerates from coppices
Artificial Regeneration:
• Seed does not require pre-treatment, but it is recommended to soak the
seed for 12 hours prior to sowing,
• Sown in seedbeds — covered with a mixture of sand and fine soil (1:1) or
with a thin layer of sawdust,
• Germination of fresh seeds is good and rapid
• 50 - 60% sunlight and watered twice daily,
• Seedlings can be planted out when 30 - 40cm tall —full sunlight for one
month prior to planting.

8. Mortality, Pests, Diseases and Their Control
 Susceptible to various insect pests, virus and fungi, affecting leaves, fruits
and roots.
 Control measures: i) To control mortality, proper management practices
should be followed, including regular monitoring, timely irrigation, fire
prevention, and appropriate harvesting techniques.
ii)Pests can be controlled through the use of insecticides, biological
control agents, and cultural practices like pruning and sanitation.
iii)Fungal diseases can be managed through the use of fungicides,
proper sanitation, and removal of infected plant parts.

9. Silvicultural systems
1. Clear cutting:
 All trees in a designated area are harvested at once.
 Suitable for areas with even-aged stands.
2. Shelterwood:
 Trees are harvested in a series of cuts over time.
 Some mature trees are left to provide shade and protection for
regeneration.
3. Selection:
 Individual trees are selectively harvested at different times.
 Promotes uneven-aged stands and maintains continuous forest cover.
4. Coppice:
 Trees are cut near the ground, allowing them to regenerate from the
stump.
 Suitable for species that can sprout vigorously.

10. Economic Importance
 Wood is mainly useful in following industries:
• Plywood industry,
• Boats making,
• Truck bodies,
• Paper industry
 Resin of the tree called as ‘Dammar Tenang’ is useful for following
purposes:
• Sealing boats and baskets,
• Medicine,
• Fuel for torches,
• Also used as ingredient of ink, oil paints and varnishes

11. THANK YOU