Yang na (gurjun oil tree) Dipterocarpus alatus
Yang na (gurjun oil tree) (Dipterocarpus alatus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Dipterocarpaceae family, native to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (riverine and lowland forest). It grows 25–45 m (82–148 ft) tall and 10–18 m (33–59 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 15 m (49 ft) apart.
Plan Yang na (gurjun oil tree) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yang na (gurjun oil tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Dipterocarpaceae |
| Mature height | 25–45 m (82–148 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–18 m (33–59 ft) |
| Spacing | 15 m (49 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam (riverine and lowland forest) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Yang na (gurjun oil tree) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the oleoresin is an irritant.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Yang na (gurjun oil tree)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Yang na (gurjun oil tree)
- How far apart should I plant Yang na (gurjun oil tree)?
- About 15 m (49 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–18 m (33–59 ft).
- Does Yang na (gurjun oil tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yang na (gurjun oil tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Yang na (gurjun oil tree)?
- It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Yang na (gurjun oil tree) flower?
- From about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yang na (gurjun oil tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the oleoresin is an irritant.
- What grows well with Yang na (gurjun oil tree)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yang na (gurjun oil tree). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- Thai Plant Names (Tem Smitinand), revised edition, Forest Herbarium, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok
Notes and assumptions
- A towering, straight-trunked tree; the Bangkok–Ayutthaya and many provincial roads are lined with old yang na. Trunks are cut and fired to collect oleoresin, once used for torches and caulking boats. Two-winged fruits spin down like shuttlecocks.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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