Morphological characteristics and abundance of red meranti (Shorea platyclados) in Martelu Purba natural reserves

Shorea platyclados Slooten ex Endert is a commercial timber-producing tree from the Dipterocarpaceae family, with the trade name red meranti. The distribution and abundance of Shorea species in Indonesia are decreasing due to forest conversion and illegal logging. As a result, this species is listed as endangered (EN) according to The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Therefore, conservation efforts become an urgent task for this species. This study was conducted to identify the morphological characteristics and distribution patterns of S. platyclados in its natural habitat in the Martelu Purba nature reserve. Morphological identification was carried out through direct observation and measurement of all parts of the tree organs, such as the characters of leaves, seeds, flowers, stems, crowns, and bark. The species abundance was carried out through exploration and inventory methods in approximately 195 ha, and 110 plots were built for vegetation analysis. Our research found that S. platyclados has flat branches and has very sharp seed tips. The results of the species abundance showed that of 110 observation plots, 484 individuals of S. platyclados were found at the tree level. This condition is rather contrary to the current status registered by the IUCN.