Top 20 Most Common Trees in Malaysia

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Malaysia

Malaysia is endowed with favorable climatic and soil conditions that support the growth of a diverse range of native trees. Three emblematic trees that thrive in this region are Rubber tree, Mango tree, and Simpoh ayer. The significance of these trees lies in their cultural and ecological value. They are deeply intertwined with the local traditions and provide essential ecosystem services, such as habitat for wildlife and carbon sequestration. These trees serve as symbols of Malaysia's rich biodiversity and contribute to its natural heritage.

Most Common Trees

Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

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Simpoh ayer

Simpoh ayer (Dillenia suffruticosa) is a large evergreen shrub that is an effective colonizer of sandy soils since its deep roots can reach underground water. The plant flowers perpetually with five-petalled yellow blooms. The large leaves are commonly used in Southeast Asia for wrapping and eating food.

Fiddle-leaf fig

5. Fiddle-leaf fig

As its name implies, the fiddle-leaf fig has leaves that are shaped like a violin. Wildly popular as a houseplant, the Ficus lyrata makes an architectural statement with its unique and lush leaves. However, please be aware that this plant is finicky and can be hard to keep alive.

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Curry leaf tree

7. Curry leaf tree

The leaves of the curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii) are frequently used in Indian and Thai cooking. They are stewed, roasted, and used in soups and sauces. The plant's genus name was given in honor of Johann Andreas Murray, a Swedish physician who published an influential work on the properties of plants.

Jackfruit

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tree species related to the fig tree native to India and Malaysia. The fruit produced by this tree, the jackfruit is a common component of culinary dishes around the world. The ripe fruit has a sweet taste and is often served raw in cold dishes.

Indian Laurel

9. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Tropical almond

10. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

Parasol leaf tree

11. Parasol leaf tree

The parasol leaf tree (Macaranga tanarius) is found in Asia and Australia in disturbed rainforest, where it grows as a pioneer species. It is grown as an ornamental tree, as well as in bush regeneration.

Red frangipani

12. Red frangipani

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

Weeping fig

13. Weeping fig

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree native to Asia and Australia. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, known for its elegant, glossy leaves. However, people with allergies should avoid weeping fig, considering that it is a major source of indoor allergens. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruits.

Sacred fig

Sacred fig or Ficus religiosa, gets its name because it is considered sacred to Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Although a member of the mulberry family, the sap of the sacred fig may cause skin reactions if handled.

Peacock flower

15. Peacock flower

The peacock flower, Barbados' national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.

Durian

Durian (Durio zibethinus) is a tropical plant from Southeast Asia. It bears large, spiny, edible fruit which has become a major export crop of the region. The fruit is best known for its pungent smell, which provokes opposing reactions, ranging from near-addiction to revulsion. In some areas, it has even been banned from public transport and hotels.

Rambutan

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is a fruit-bearing evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Rambutan grows best in tropical climates and yields edible fruit. This species attracts bees and other pollinators and its fruit has a pleasant aroma.

Sea hibiscus

18. Sea hibiscus

Sea hibiscus (Talipariti tiliaceum) is a flowering plant species commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. The flowers of sea hibiscus are bright yellow with a red center. As the blossoms age, the flowers turn to a darker orange before falling off the plant.

Guava

Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.

Pomegranate

20. Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

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