Facts about Red Balan (Guijo)

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

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.

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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