Gluta aptera

Gluta aptera is a plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia.

Description

Gluta aptera grows as a tree up to tall with a trunk diameter of up to. The smooth bark is brown to grey. The leathery leaves are obovate and measure up to long and up to wide. The flowers are white. The roundish fruits are brown and measure up to wide.

Taxonomy

Gluta aptera was first described as Melanorrhoea aptera by British botanist George [King (botanist)|George King] in 1896 in the Journal of the [Asiatic Society of Bengal]. In 1978, Dutch botanist Ding Hou transferred the species to the genus Gluta. Type specimens were collected in Perak and Penang in Peninsular Malaysia. The specific epithet aptera means 'without wing', referring to the fruit.

Distribution and habitat

Gluta aptera is native to Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Its habitat is in lowland and montane forests, including in swamps, at elevations of.

Conservation

Gluta aptera has been assessed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. However, the species' habitat is threatened by deforestation and conversion of land for agricultural and urban development purposes. The species is present in numerous protected areas.

Uses

The timber of Gluta aptera is locally used in home construction. It is also used as a dye.