14 MAI TENG 
MAT TENG ( Shorea obtusa) a tree of the natural 
order of Dipterocarpeae. Calyx five-leaved, permanent, 
enlarging into five long wings; Corol five petalled. Germ 
superior, 3 celled, two seeded, attachment superior. Nut 
one-seeded. Embryo inverse, without perisperm. This tree 
has small white flowers of a very agreeable odour, with 
oval leaves 15-20 cm. long and half as broad. The bark is 3em. 
thick, grey with deep longitudinal fissures. Heartwood ‘is 
very hard, even in grain. It has a brown colour and is 
pale when newly sawn. The sapwood is small on large 
trees, it does not last long, the pores are moderate sized, 
each pore surrounded by a narrow white ring. The 
medullary rays are numerous and brown, joined by short 
irregular transverse lines of lighter-coloured tissue. The 
wood is very durable, is not attacked by insects and 
stands well all influences of climate, heat and moisture. 
The Teng trees grow together with Mai Pluang and 
Mai Rang or form large groups or extensive forests 
on elevated ground mostly laterite but not beyond 
800 m. above sea level. There are enormous 
tracts of Mai Teng all over 
