Facts about Red Balan (Guijo)

Sylvia

9 months ago

Shorea guiso, which is also referred to as Guijo or Red Balan, is a plant species that is classified within the Dipterocarpaceae family. It is a native of the Philippines. Borneo, Cambodia, Laos, Indo-China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Malay Peninsula, Thailand, and Sumatra are additional locations. Guijo is a Philippine Spanish term that originates from the Tagalog word gihĲ. Occasionally referred to as red balan or red balau, this plant shares its name with Shorea balangeran. Additional regional designations include taralai in Tarlac and yamban-yamban in Zambales. A few well-known colloquial designations for these plants include Guijo, Balau merah, Membatu, Red selangan, Red balau, and Red selangan batu.

In honor of Sir John Shore, a British governor-general of the East India Company during the late 18th century, the genus “Shorea” was designated. The Dipterocarpaceae family, of which the genus Shorea is a member, is prevalent in tropical regions of Asia, particularly in the rainforests. In botany, where genera are frequently designated in honor of individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to science, exploration, or the study of natural history, this naming convention is widespread. The etymology of the species epithet “guiso” may not be readily discernible in the absence of specific botanical literature or historical sources that explicate the rationale for the naming of this species. There are numerous possible origins for species epithets, including geographical locations, physical characteristics of the plant, and names bestowed in honor of individuals. The term “guiso” may denote a feature of the tree, its natural environment, or even a regional appellation where the tree is encountered. However, in the absence of concrete context, the precise meaning of “guiso” remains conjectural.

Red Balan Facts

Red Balan Quick Facts
Name:	Red Balan
Origin	Philippines, Indo-China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia
Colors	Initially green turning to red as they mature
Shapes	Fruits are 8 mm long, green-red, with three 55 mm long wings

Name	Red Balan
Scientific Name	Shorea guiso
Native	Philippines. It is also found in Indo-China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Malay Peninsula, Thailand, Sumatra, Vietnam and Borneo
Common Names	Balau, Red balau, Red selangan, Red selangan batu, Guijo, Balau merah, Membatu
Name in Other Languages	Borneo: Ambam, Damar kenuar batu, Hibi, Keping burung, Lauan, Lempong, Majau, Membatu, Menkabang, Oba suluk, Pakulin batu, Pelapak, Raru, Selangan batu, Selangan batu merah Central Khmer: Kamlaeng English: Red balan, Red balau, Red selangan. French: Balau rouge Indonesia: Balau merah, Membatu, Selangan batu, Beraja Khmer: Chor chong Lao: Ning Malay: Balau, Beraja, Selangan batu merah Malaysia: Membatu, Merbatu, Lemesa, Lemesa kulor, Lemesa nerang, Chengal pasir, Meranti bulu, Meranti pahang, Resak samak, Selimbar Philippines: Guijo Spanish: Guijo Sumatra: Beraja, Damar kenuar batu, Meranti hitam Tagalog: Guijo, Guiso Thai: Lan ton (หลันตัน), Saya daeng, Saraya daeng, Teng tani (เต็งตานี) Vietnamese: Chai bo bo
Plant Growth Habit	Medium-sized to very large deciduous tree
Growing Climates	Primary forest
Soil	It can grow on shallow and infertile soils, and tolerates drought and shade
Plant Size	Up to 30 m (98.43 ft) to 40 m (131.23 ft) and its diameter can measure up to 1.80 m (5.91 ft) or more
Bark	Bark is light reddish brown when it is newly bared
Leaf	Alternate, simple, entire, and ovate-oblong, 8 to 10 centimeters long, 3 to 5 centimeters wide, with a rounded base and tapering tip
Flower	Flowers are short-stalked, developing into 3 long- and 2 short-winged fruits which are expanded at the base. Petals are 9 times as long as the sepals. Stamens are in clusters of 20 to 40 in three groups, with filaments dilated at the base
Fruit Shape & Size	Fruits are 8 mm long, green-red, with three 55 mm long wings, wind dispersed
Fruit Color	Initially green turning to red

Plant Description

Red balan is a densely crowned deciduous tree that ranges in size from medium to very large. Its maximum possible height is 30 to 40 meters (98.43 to 131.23 feet). The straight, cylindrical bole may be 15 to 25 meters in diameter and contain prominent buttresses; it may be devoid of branches for at least 1.80 meters (5.91 feet). The plant is distinguishable through the dark coloration of its branchlets. Typically found inhabiting ridges at low altitudes within the forest, this is its natural habitat. Typically, the plant thrives in elevations containing sandy and limestone soils. Scattered throughout lowland forests on red soils, it is most prevalent in climates that are mildly seasonal. It is able to thrive in infertile, shallow soils and is resistant to shade and drought. The tree is extracted from its natural habitat for both its resin and its wood, which is a premium construction material that is both domestically utilized and internationally traded.

Bark

Stem is composed of resin. Long stipules of up to 7 mm. When newly bared, the epidermis acquires a pale reddish brown hue. The wood is typically moderately hard to hard and weighs between moderately heavy and heavy; dividing it can be challenging. The sapwood is slender and light grayish brown, distinguishable from the heartwood, which ranges in color from light ashy brown to brown with an occasional reddish undertone.

Leaves

The leaf morphology varies from lanceolate to ovate lanceolate to oblong, and it possesses a minimum of 15 pairs of nerves. In addition to having an acute, accuminate-tipped, convex base, and glabrous or nearly glabrous surface, the leaf is also acute. Shorea guiso is typically employed in construction, furniture manufacturing, ship and boat farming, and other applications that require aesthetically appealing grain in hard wood.

Flowers

The flowers have short stalks and mature into two short-winged fruits and three long-stalked fruits with an elongated base. Nine times the length of the sepals are the petals. Twenty to forty stamens are arranged in three groups, each with filaments that have dilated at the base.

Fruits

The 8 mm long, green-red fruits have three 55 mm in length wings. They disperse via the breeze.

Wood

Timber is utilized in the construction of furniture and cabinets, ships and boats, and frames for posts, beams, trusses, studs, friction blocks, slips, and alcohol tanks, among other applications that demand hard, sturdy timber with an attractive grain. In the Philippines, the firm red timber is valuable for light construction.

Leaves-of-Red-Balan

Sketch-of-Red-Balan

Flower-and-flowering-buds-of-Red-Balan

Matured-Red-Balan-tree

Small-Red-Balan-plant

Plant-illustration of Red Balan

Red Balan Image Gallery

Importance

With the exception of termites, Guijo is utilized as a decking material due to its resistance to decay and insects. However, guijo loses its durability when severely exposed to the elements or when it comes into contact with the earth. Therefore, it is exclusively implemented in situations where maximum durability is not a concern and the material will not be subjected to significant exposure. The tree’s resin is utilized as a component in the formulation of varnishes and paints.

The regulation of guijo lumber prices in the Philippines was implemented in 1947 by President Manuel Roxas via Executive Order No. 66. In the Philippines, the decree establishes a maximum price for guijo lumber and other varieties of lumber.

Others Uses

Papermaking: According to one study, Red Balan can be utilized as a filler in conjunction with sawdust fiber to manufacture writing and printing papers.
Resin: From the tree, a dammar substance called “huille de bios” is extracted. It is utilized commercially as a glazing agent in foods and as a constituent in inks, varnishes, oil paints, and varnishes, among other things.
Construction Material: Red Balan wood is extensively utilized in the construction sector to construct structures, particularly in damp environments, on account of its exceptional resistance to decay and termites. It is utilized in the construction of jetties, houses, bridges, and other edifices that demand robust timber.
Shipbuilding: Due to its exceptional water resistance, the wood is ideally suited for shipbuilding applications, specifically in the fabrication of boats, ship keels, and other components that are consistently subjected to marine environments.
Furniture Making: Wooden high-quality furniture is manufactured on account of its aesthetic allure and durability. Cabinets, tables, and chairs are among the interior and outdoor furniture that it is appropriate for.
Flooring and Decking: Due to its hardness and wear resistance, the timber is suitable for use in flooring and decking, where it can endure severe weather and heavy foot traffic.
Railway Sleepers and Heavy Construction: Its strength and durability render it highly suitable for applications such as heavy construction work that necessitates materials with substantial load-bearing capacity, including railway foundations and heavy-duty pallets.
Tool Handles and Other Wooden Implements: The wood’s robustness and resistance to fracturing are advantageous qualities in the construction of sturdy wooden utensils and handles for a variety of tools and implements.
Cultural and Artistic Uses: Wooden musical instruments and intricate engravings are produced in certain regions, thereby highlighting the material’s cultural significance and the skill of local artisans.
Erosion Control: The robust root system of the planted tree can aid in soil erosion control, especially in sloped areas, by maintaining the soil’s integrity.

References:

http://www.stuartxchange.com/Guijo.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shorea_guiso

https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Shorea+guiso

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