သင်္ကန်း

Myanmar Name – Thingan

Common Name –  White Meranti

Botanical Name – Hopea odorata Roxb.

Family Name – Dipterocarpaceae

Habitat – Native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand.

Habit – A large tree that can reach heights of up to 50 meters (164 feet). It typically has a straight.

Bark – Smooth and gray when young, becoming rougher and darker with age. It often cracks and develops fissures as the tree matures.

Leaves – Simple, alternate, and oblong to lanceolate in shape. They are typically dark green and glossy on the upper surface and lighter green underneath. The leaves can range from 8 to 20 centimeters in length.

Inflorescence – Typically, a panicle, which is a branched cluster of flowers. The flowers are small, white to cream-colored, and often fragrant.

Flower – Small and inconspicuous. They have five petals and are arranged in clusters on the inflorescence.

Fruit – A woody capsule that is usually ovoid or ellipsoid in shape.

Seed – Small and winged,

Flowering and Fruiting Time – Flowering time from May to August and fruiting time from November to February.

Usage – Used in various construction applications, including building houses, bridges, and boats. The timber is also used for making furniture, flooring, and decorative items. In traditional medicine, various parts of Hopea odorata are used to treat ailments such as inflammation, fever, and gastrointestinal disorders.