Taengwood Balau (Shorea obtusa)

Family: Dipterocarpaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Found in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, Shorea obtusa is a deciduous tropical tree growing in relatively dry areas, reaching a height of about 10- 30 m and bole diameter of up to 60 cm. The flowers are yellow that droop in clusters. The plant yields a very hard timber, which is used for construction purposes, with high commercial value. The trunk also yields resin for local and medicinal uses.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry, deciduous, dipterocarp forests, deciduous monsoon forests and open, dry degraded areas like mixed savannah forests at elevations from 200 - 1,000 metres. (Zone 10)