Light Red Meranti (Shorea macrophylla)

Family: Dipterocarpaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Shorea macrophylla, otherwise known as Light Red Meranti, Engkabang or False Ilipe Nut, is a large tropical plant belonging in the Dipterocarpaceae family. It is endemic to Borneo. It has a dense, oblong to hemispherical crown, irregular bole that branches from fairly low down, and short buttresses. It grows up to 45 m in height and 150 cm in bole diameter.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

An edible fat obtained from the seeds has similar uses to Cacao butter (obtained from Theobroma spp.). — An edible fat obtained from the seeds has similar uses to Cacao butter (obtained from Theobroma spp.).

Habitat & North American Range

A canopy tree, locally abundant in mixed dipterocarp forest, growing on clay-rich periodically flooded alluvium and river banks, uncommon on hillsides, at elevations below 600 metres. (Zone 10)