Light red meranti (Rubroshorea leprosula)

Product description

This tropical tree produces enormous, winged seeds measuring up to 20 cm in size, which fall from the tree like helicopters. This makes it easier for the species to spread in the windless rainforest. The wood of this species is reddish-brown in colour and is known as light red meranti. It is very durable and can therefore be used for all kinds of constructions. The resin from the tree has traditionally been used for caulking boats and baskets, but can also be used as a colourant in paint, for example. Unfortunately, the beautiful wood has led to the tree being heavily logged and it is now threatened with extinction.
 
The tree can grow up to 60 metres tall in the rainforest and is mainly found in the hilly areas of Indonesia. The trunk can reach a diameter of one metre at ground level and has large buttress roots for stability. When growing as a houseplant, provide a light spot without direct sunlight. Later, the plant can tolerate more sunlight. Well-drained soil with sand is optimal.

Sowing description: The large seeds can be sown in a mixture of seed compost and sand (3:1). Keep the soil constantly slightly moist and allow to germinate at 25-30°C. The seeds can be dried well, which means they can also be stored for decorative purposes.