Palaquium hexandrum

Palaquium hexandrum is a tree in the family Sapotaceae. The specific epithet hexandrum means 'six stamens', referring to the flowers.

Description
Palaquium hexandrum grows up to 50 m tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 120 cm. The bark is dark brown. The inflorescences bear up to 18 flowers. The edible fruits are round or ovoid, up to 3 cm long.

Distribution and habitat
Palaquium hexandrum is native to Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Its habitat is lowland forests, sometimes riverine.

Uses
The seeds of Palaquium hexandrum are used in cooking. The latex is used to make gutta-percha. The timber is harvested and traded as nyatoh.

Conservation
Palaquium hexandrum has been assessed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List. The significant threat to the species is deforestation: in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo for conversion of land to palm oil cultivation.