Suren wood is obtained from the Surian tree that grows in several areas in Indonesia including; Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. Surian tree is one of the plants that easy to grow in tropical climates. This tree usually thrives in highlands with temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius. In some other countries, Surian tree has its own nickname. In Malaysia it is called Surian Wangi, in the Philippines it is called ye tama, in Myanmar it is called limpaga.

The tree is grow quickly and have very dense leaves. The shape of the leaves is like an elongated oval with tapering at the ends. Surian tree has upright tree trunk with up to 60 meters height. As for the size of the trunk diameter can reach 1 to 3 meters. When you touch the surface of the tree trunk, it is very rough because the bark is cracked. Thus forming irregular vertical lines. Surian tree bark produces fragrant smell resembling the smell of sandalwood.

According to a study, suren wood or tree contains surenon, surenin, and surenolactone. These three components go as an inhibitor of insect growth and also antifeedant (inhibits eating power). Even the Surian tree is deliberately planted among the albasia trees to repel pests. That’s because albasia trees are susceptible to pests, especially tether. So the components proven to repel insects, such as termites, tethers, even mosquitoes. So this wood can last longer because it is not easily weathered by disease.

Classified as Strong Wood
This wood is a type of strong wood. So it is widely used as building construction material. Usually this wood is used for making home interiors, furniture, decoration panels, to handicrafts.

Easy to Process for Various Needs
This wood is very easy to saw, making it easier for the felling process and the utilization process. So do not be surprised if the wood from the Surian tree is widely cultivated and used for various purposes.

The bark and roots are used for traditional medicine
Some parts of the Surian tree including the bark and roots of the tree are used to make traditional medicine herbs. A decoction of the bark and roots of the Surian tree is believed to treat diarrheal diseases. In addition, the skin and fruit can be used as ingredients for making essential oils.

Leaf Extracts as Antibiotics and Bioinsecticides
In addition to the wood, the leaves of Surian tree are also used as antibiotics and bioinsecticides. The leaves are allegedly able to help repel insect pests on plants.

The leaves not for animal feed
The disadvantage of this plant is in its leaves that cannot used as fodder for livestock. That’s because it can make the animal hangover.

–sh