Shorea macrophylla: Overview of Illipe Nut Producing Tree

Abstract

Shorea macrophylla is also named as ‘Engkabang’ (Iban), ‘Kawang’ (Brunei), and ‘Tengkawang’ (Indonesia). It belongs to the Dipterocarpaceae family and is categorised under the genus Shorea, which can be found in the tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. It prefers wet habitats, such as in periodically flooded alluvium and riverbanks. The tree size of S. macrophylla is medium or large; however, some researchers in Kalimantan claim it is a small tree. The flowering and fruiting systems of most Dipterocarps, including S. macrophylla, are irregular, but there is a massive flowering event once every few years. Its genetic structure is characterised by moderate genetic diversity within species and populations, as well as high genetic differentiation within local populations. Shorea macrophylla, also known as the Light Red Meranti, is a suitable timber supply for light construction work. It produces illipe nuts that are widely used as cocoa butter replacer fat. Wildlife eats the ripe illipe nuts, which contain a high oil content with mostly beneficial unsaturated triglycerides. The fat extracted from the nut are suitable for cosmetic application as it provides a good moisturising effect. Future investigation into the illipe nuts’ composition and other potential uses should be carried out.

A Review of borneo buah engkabang (Shorea macrophylla) as potential omega-6 lipid source for fish feed

“…Shorea macrophylla, often referred to as the Engkabang by the local community of Sarawak, is predominantly found in the tropical rainforest of Southeast Asia, and it flourishes in alluvial deposits of soil that are frequently flooded along a riverside without human cultivation or interventions [1]. These trees that grow widely and extensively along riverbanks in Borneo, especially in Sarawak and Kalimantan, are sourced from Engkabang seeds dispersed from the parent tree, which carries them alongside streams or rivers to other places [2].…”

“…Malaysia and Indonesia have significant differences in the morphology characteristics of Engkabang. According to [1] and [14], Shorea macrophylla can be found in an elliptical or spear-like form shaped in Malaysia. Engkabang trees can grow up to 15 to 20 m in length.…”

“…However, the unpredictable season interval still needs clarification and is difficult to anticipate. Another study by [1] stated that Engkabang fruit ripens between the early months of the year till March in a suitable environment, and the blooming eventually starts after 15 or 16 years. However, it might be a while before the next blossoming happens.…”

“…Wild animals, woodpeckers, wolves, rats, freshwater fish, squirrels, and native reindeer consume the illipe nuts. These nuts have a high oil content with the most advantageous unsaturated triglycerides [1]. According to [26], Tambroides, commonly known as Empurau, imperatively consume various zooplankton, including algae, aquatic species, and small fishes.…”

Efficacy of dietary engkabang oil (Shorea macrophylla) on growth performance of fingerling malayan mahseer (Tor tambroides)

“…Shorea macrophylla, also known as "buah engkabang" or "buah meranti," is a fruit that is primarily distributed on Borneo Island [9]. This fruit is highly valued due to its lipid-rich content, predominantly composed of triglycerides with consistent efficacy.…”