KOTA KINABALU: Scientists have determined that the world’s tallest tropical tree to be of Shorea faguetiana F. Heim of the Dipterocarpaceae family, locally known as 'Seraya kuning siput'.
The confirmation was made during a recent expedition by Forest Research Centre (FRC) team of the Sabah Forestry Department to the tree’s location in Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA), in Lahad Datu.
Measuring at a towering 94.1 metres, the tree is among 50 giants scattered throughout Sabah.
The previous contender for that title – which American scientists discovered in 2007 - stand at 88.32 metres tall and belonging to the same family of trees, was also located in Sabah, at the vicinity of Tawau Hills Park.
Last November at a conference, a Standford University’s Carnegie Institute of Science ecologist announced the discovery of the tree via air surveillance, along with the other 49 trees but was not able to determine the exact species besides it being in the genus Shorea.
Forest botanist John B. Sugau, who led the FRC expedition from Feb 20 to 24 in a statement remarked the significance of the tree as a state heritage, believing that it would attract both local and foreign interest.
Following this, it may need extra protection and they will be recommending to DVCA management to establish appropriate measures such as establishing a user-friendly trail, erecting signage, as well as installing lightning protection equipment.
“Apart from the mission to locate and determine the tree species, other observations on the flora and fauna as well as on the presence of any key features were also made around the tallest tree.
“Among the interesting findings were the discovery of many endemic Begonia species and two scenic waterfalls.
“Other studies such as soil and forest structure are also being carried out to obtain more information about the surrounding area,” he added.