Merbau (Melaka Teak)

Intsia palembanica

Family: Fabaceae

Intsia palembanica is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. Common names include Borneo teak, Malacca teak, Merbau, and Moluccan ironwood. It is native to tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia and the islands of the southwest Pacific.

It is mainly threatened by logging for its timber, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. The timber is sold locally and internationally. Listed near threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Symbolism: On 23 August 2019, the tree, locally known as pokok merbau, officially became the national tree of Malaysia. The then-Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, stated that it represented the strength and endurance of Malaysia's people.