XVI International Botanical Congess

Dipterocarpus alatus is an important timber species in Laos. Traditionally these trees have also been tapped for their oleoresin, which is used for illumination and caulking boats in rural areas. In modern society it is used for paint, laquer and varnish. Recently the Lao government imposed a ban on commercial tapping of D. alatus, due to claims that the activity is destructive. Here impacts from tapping on trees, timber and timber value are examined, from data obtained trough several fieldtrips.