Amboina pine (Pokok Damar Minyak)

Agathis dammara

Description

Agathis dammara is a medium-large conifer growing up to 60 m tall found in tropical and montane rainforests. The bark can be of various gray tones and covered with resin blisters. Leaves are thick and highly variable in color in every tree. Male cones (containing pollen) are small, brown and cylindrical while female cones (containing seeds) are brown, larger and round.

Place of origin

The Philippines and Eastern Indonesia 

Ethnobotanical uses

This tree is a source of dammar gum, also known as cat-eye resin. This resin is extracted from the tree by making cuts in the bark. The dammar gum is used as main ingredients to make varnish for enamels and interior work. This tree produces a softwood used as general purpose softwood for construction, household utensils, matches, veneer, packaging and plywood.

IUCN conservation status

Vulnerable (VU)