Brief
Streblus elongatus, commonly known as the Tempinis tree, is a species in the Moraceae family, which also includes figs. It is primarily found in Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.
Botanical Description
Streblus elongatus can reach heights of 30-35 meters (98-115 feet), classifying it as a small to medium-sized tree. Its trunk can grow branchless up to 15 meters, with a diameter of around 60 cm.
Historical / Cultural Significance
In Kuala Lumpur, the Tempinis tree is noted for its presence in local street names within the Bangsar suburb, such as Jalan Tempinis. This reflects the cultural significance of the tree in urban naming conventions. Additionally, it has been recorded in various forest reserves across Malaysia, including significant areas like the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, which is the oldest forest reserve in Kuala Lumpur. The timber from the Tempinis tree is very hard and highly durable, used in construction of bridges and poles.
Folklore / Etymology
“Streblus” comes from the Greek word streblos, which means “twisted”, referring to the zig-zag pattern of the branchlets while “elongatus” (long) probably refers to the flowering stalks of the plant.