Hopea odorata is a species of tree in the plant family Dipterocarpaceae. It is found in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Description

H. odorata is a large tree reaching up to in height with the base of the trunk reaching a diameter of . It grows in seasonal tropical forests, preferably near rivers, at elevations up to . The seeds are about 6 mm, with two wings that are 50-60 mm long. In places such as West Bengal, the Andaman Islands and southern Vietnam it is often planted as a shade tree. Valued for its wood, which shows resistance to termites, it is a threatened species in its natural habitat.

Traditions

In Thailand, where it is known as ta-khian (), this tree is believed to be inhabited by a certain tree spirit known as Lady Ta-khian (), belonging to a type of ghosts related to trees known generically as Nang Mai (นางไม้). This tree species is also the subject of legends in Cambodia, where it is known as Koki; in Vietnam it is called Sao đen.

Gallery

References

External links

• Hopea odorata Roxb.

• Buddha Magic Thai Beliefs in the Nang Ta-Khian Tree Spirit within Hopea Odorata trees

• Nang Ta-khian image at Suankularb Wittayalai Nonthaburi School