Neobalanocarpus heimii

Cultivation Details

A plant of the lowland, tropical rainforest, found naturally at elevations from sea level to 1,000 metres^[1]. It is found in areas where the mean annual temperature is in the range 24 - 27°c and the mean annual rainfall is 2,000 - 4,000 mm^[1]. Grows well on a wide range of soils from sandy granitic soils, red clay over shale and well-drained dark basic volcanic soils[303. Young plants need shade, and can survive in dense shade, but older plants need a sunny position^{[1, 2]}. When very young, the seedlings are sensitive to drought and overexposure to light^[2]. Growth is comparatively slow. It is estimated that chengal will attain a diameter of 64 cm in 75 years under optimal conditions^[2]. A tree planted in Kepong (Peninsular Malaysia) had a diameter of 48 cm after 40 years^[2]. Chengal populations flower sporadically. Usually years with heavy flowering and fruiting occur at intervals of several years^[2]. Flowering appears to take place over about 3 weeks and, as in most Dipterocarpaceae, the flowers are fragrant^[2]. Pollination is by insects, most particularly honey bees^[2]. The only method of dispersal of the heavy, wingless seeds of chengal might be by rolling down hill slopes or by means of animals^[2]. Natural regeneration beneath parent trees is rarely abundant in virgin rain forest except on ridges in hill forest. The few seedlings usually encountered beneath a parent tree are capable of surviving for very long periods under dense shade, but light is required for further development^[2]. Planting has been attempted in Peninsular Malaysia with indifferent results^[2]. Insects attacked the seedlings badly^[2]. Planting in open, unshaded conditions, in association with rubber, has failed^[2]. Planting in secondary forest was carried out successfully^[2]. Planted trees have been known to set fruit as early as the age of ten years^[1].