Jelutung (Dyera polyphylla) is a commercial tree species that used to be highly valued for its latex and wood. It was used in the manufacture of commodities such as edible gum and cable insulators. Jelutung wood is also renowned for its soft texture that is suitable for pencils, interior design material and woodcarving. The species is indigenous to rainforests throughout Malaysia and the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sumatra. More recently, jelutung trees have become increasingly rare due to deforestation and forest conversions, including of the peat swamp forests on Sumatra and Kalimantan. Many rehabilitation, restoration and reforestration programs in Indonesia have since included jelutung as a recommended species. One important factor for the success of promoting this tree species lies in the value chain and market aspects. Therefore, information on and links to markets and other value-chain actors should be understood and incorporated along with the promotion of this species. |
