Click here to open feedback window. Annex 2. Profiles of Tree Species: Asia 269 Alstonia pneumatophora Apocynaceae basung, pulai basong, pulai puteh Distribution Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Borneo. Habitat The species occurs in mixed peat-swamp forest on shallow peat, often where it overlies sand near the coastal fringe. It becomes abundant near the mouth of large rivers. Population status and trends Most Alstonia species are common and widespread. The do not seem vulnerable to genetic erosion because they often easily invade severely disturbed places. However stands heavily depleted in places as a result of deforestation caused by logging and shifting cultivation (Soerianegara & Lemmens, 1993). Role of species in the ecosystem Threats Logging and shifting cultivation. Utilisation Pulai is a lightweight hardwood used to make boxes and crates, veneers and plywood, interior trim, furniture components and carvings. The wood of the aerial roots is used as a substitute for cork. The latex is used medicinally and when mixed with oil make glue sticks (Soerianegara & Lemmens, 1993). Trade The species is present in trade with other members of the genus. Pulai,as applied to the genus as a whole, is one of the six most important export timbers of Indonesia. Export of sawnwood increased from 50,000m³ in 1987 to 70,000m³ in 1989, raising a price of US$18.5 million. Sarawak and Sabah also export smaller amounts; Sabah exported 20,000m³ of round logs and 9500m³ of sawnwood in 1992 (Soerianegara & Lemmens, 1993). Peninsular Malaysia reported in 1995 the presence of 2000m³ of sawnwood  in exports valued at an average price of US$312/m³ (ITTO, 1997). It is not thought to be present in European trade (WCMC, 1991). IUCN Conservation category LR lc according to Kade Sidiyasa and the Asia Regional Workshop (1997). Conservation measures Forest management and silviculture Alstonia spp. in general are fast-growing but often show scarce natural regeneration. Seedlings are found scattered or in groups particularly at forest edges and in secondary forest. In most countries pulai is harvested selectively from natural forest and there is little experience of silviculture (Soerianegara & Lemmens, 1993). References Asia Regional Workshop. 1997. Discussions held during the Third Regional Workshop for the WCMC/SSC Conservation and sustainable management of trees project, Hanoi, Viet Nam, 18-21 August 1997. ITTO. 1997. Annual review and assessment of the world tropical timber situation. 1996. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). Sidiyasa????? Soerianegara, I. & Lemmens, R.H.M.J. (Eds.) 1993. Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA) 5(1) Timber trees: major commercial timbers. Pudoc Scientific Publishers, Wageningen. WCMC. 1991. Provision of data on rare and threatened tropical timber species. Unpublished report, prepared under contract to the EC.