Search

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties of four pioneer species, i.e., batai (Paraserianthes moluccana), ludai (Sapium baccatum), mahang (Macaranga gigantea), and sesendok (Endospermum malaccense). Correlation of factors influencing density, shrinkage, and mechanical properties were also discussed. Samples were obtained from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) campus. From the result obtained, these four pioneer species characterised by medium-to-large vessel with absent of tyloses and gum deposit, fine ray, thin walled fibre, runkel ratio less than 1.0, low in density, and mechanical properties. Sesendok has significantly higher value in fibre length, fibre diameter, fibre lumen diameter, fibre wall thickness, vessel diameter, density, MOR, MOE, compression parallel to grain, and shear parallel to grain compared to the other three pioneer species which were 2001 µm, 45 µm, 35 µm, 5.1 µm, 300 µm, 514 kg/m3, 79.5 N/mm2, 9209 N/mm2, 38.7 N/mm2, and 10.1 N/mm2, respectively. Between these four pioneer species, ludai has significantly higher in runkel ratio which was 0.57, whereas mahang shows significantly higher in slenderness ratio and number of vessels/mm2 which were 50.2 and 5 vessel/mm2, respectively. On the other hand, batai has higher tangential, radial and longitudinal shrinkage compared to ludai, mahang, and sesendok which were 3.0%, 2.4%, and 0.8%, respectively. Based on the basic property study, batai, ludai, mahang, and sesendok could be suitable for pulp and paper, plywood, light construction, furniture, interior finishing, and general utility. Fibre length, fibre wall thickness, and vessel diameter correlated significantly with density and mechanical properties. Shrinkage and mechanical properties were significantly influenced by density.

The genus of Macaranga (Euphorbiacaceae) has 250 species of which 160 species are endemic in Kalimantan and New Guinea. They grow as pioneer trees and are used as traditional medicines in the Asian regions. This experiment concerns cytotoxicity in both cancer and normal cells of their methanol extracts from wood, bark and leaf parts. Some of them have not yet reported its cytotoxic activity in those cell lines. The 21 methanol extracts were prepared from seven Macaranga tree species (Macaranga bancana, Macaranga gigantea, Macaranga hullettii, Macaranga pruinosa, Macaranga tanarius, Macaranga trichocarpa and Macaranga triloba). The MTT assay was used to evaluate cytotoxic activity of extracts in cancer cell lines [human breast cancer (MCF-7), mouse melanoma (B16 melanoma), human colon cancer (HCT116), human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa)] and normal cell lines [human normal fibroblast (TIG-1) and normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF)]. The leaf extracts of M. pruinosa, M. tanarius, M. trichocarpa showed more cytotoxicity than wood and bark in all cancer cell lines. In addition, the 5-fluorouracil was used as a positive control. These findings indicated the extracts from leaves of M. pruinosa, M. tanarius and M. trichocarpa had more potential than wood and bark parts to be developed as anti-cancer agents.

This study presents the preparation of biocarbon material from Macaranga gigantea leaf biomass. In an attempt to examine its potential as adsorbent, the most essential part in determining the performance is to investigate their physicochemical properties. The physicochemical properties of the prepared biocarbon was characterized by their adsorptive nature towards methylene blue and iodine to estimate their surface area and pore volumes. The present study focused on the adsorption performance comparison of three different forms of pyrolyzed biomass which were granulated coconut shell (GCS), powdered coconut shell (PCS), and powdered Mahang leaves (PML), respectively to remove both methylene blue (MB) dye and iodine in aqueous solution. The iodine number for PML showed greater difference compared to PCS and GCS following range PML(557.72)>PCS(321.91)>GCS(188.14). The findings indicate that powdered biomass had higher adsorption for methylene blue dye than granulated biomass at all various initial concentration used due to higher surface area. Among which, PML has higher MB removal by 86.41% at initial concentration 50 mg/L. The data of MB adsorption of GCS and PML fitted well with the Freundlich model meanwhile Langmuir model was applicable for describing the adsorption data of PCS

The productivity of exotic species developed in pulpwood plantations in Indonesia (HTI-pulp) has been continuously decreasing. On the other side, there is a possibility to develop several promising native tree species in peatland HTI-pulp plantations. However, less information is available on the performance of those native tree species for planting in peatland pulpwood plantation. This study evaluates the performances (survival rate, growth and yield) of three native trees [mahang ( Macaranga pruinosa ), skubung ( Macaranga gigantea ) and geronggang ( Cratoxylum arborescens )] in drained peatland, in terms of suitability for pulpwood plantation. An experiment plot was established by planting three native tree species and krasikarpa ( Acacia crassicarpa ) in drained peatland at Pelalawan District, Riau. Survival, growth and yield variables were monitored frequently until 5.5 years after planting (YAP) and then were analyzed. Geronggang (survival rate = 80.0%) and mahang (survival rate = 65.6%) showed good survival rates at 5.5 YAP which were significantly (p

Susanto D, Hayatudin, Setiawan A, Purnomo H, Ruhiyat D, Amirta R. 2017. Characterizing nutrient status and growth of Macaranga gigantea in tropical rainforest gaps after selective logging in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 996-1003. Selective logging caused the formation of forest gaps, which stimulate the growth of the pioneer tree species. This study aims to determine the characteristic of soil nutrients status and plant growth of Macaranga gigantea in the tropical rainforest gaps after selective logging in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. We established research plots 50mx50m in natural forest production, 1 until 10 years after selective logging. The measured data of each plot is the number of trees of M. gigantea, its stem diameter, and its height, and also the soil and leaf nutrient concentration. The results showed that the soil has a pH (H2O) of 5.3 ± 0.27, cation exchange capacity of 10.6 ± 2.98 meq. 100 g-1, base saturation of 27.7 ± 10.44%, while the concentration of nutrients carbon of 1. 04 ± 0.27%, nitrogen of 0.10± 0.02%, phosphorus of 6.35 ± 3.4%, potassium of 67.15± 30.1%, calcium of 1.7 ± 1.09% and magnesium of 0. 99 ± 0.8%. The highest stem diameter and height of M. gigantea (19.5 cm; 18.07 m) was obtained in plots of 8 years after selective logging and then declined, while the highest diameter increment and height increment obtained in plants located in a plot of 4 years after selective logging and decline until 10 years after selective logging. The concentration of nutrients accumulated in the leaves of M. gigantea was N with 1.51 ± 0.19%, P with 0.16 ± 0.01%, K with 1.37 ±0.28%, Ca with 1.78 ± 0, 43% and Mg with 1.53 ± 0.37%. The soil nutrients concentration of N, K, Ca and Mg correlated with plant growth of M. gigantea (p≤ 0.05), potassium concentration of soil positively correlated with a potassium concentration of leaves (p≤ 0.05), whereas magnesium concentration in the leaf correlated with plant growth (p≤ 0.05). We suspect that bases nutrient elements, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are nutrients absorbed in large quantities by M. gigantea and extremely important to its growth.

Elucidating the invasion history of non-native species has been dependent on coarse-grain and expensive methods or long-term monitoring during which the spread may have proceeded beyond feasible control. We used the case of a relatively recent introduction and spread of the neotropical Cecropia pachystachya in Singapore to develop a method for reconstructing spatio-temporal patterns of spread through a low-cost, cross-sectional study. Size and growth rates were measured for C. pachystachya trees as well as the native Macaranga gigantea. A power-expansion exponential-decline function was a better fit than the probability density function of the log-normal distribution in describing the growth-rate to size relationship for both species. C. pachystachya trees generally grew faster (up to 5.4 ± 0.1 cm per year at 12.2 ± 0.2 cm DBH) than M. gigantea trees (up to 3.8 ± 0.2 cm per year at 11.5 ± 0.3 cm DBH). We demonstrated that the integral of the reciprocal of these growth equations provides an estimate of the age of the individuals from their size. Using the size and geographic coordinates of C. pachystachya trees from an island-wide search, we estimate that the invasion front of reproductive trees (>5 cm DBH) showed at least a 20-year lag phase from the time of initial establishment to the year 2005, before advancing exponentially at median rates between 5 and 466 m year−1 with maximum rates of several km year−1. The extent of occurrence expanded by nearly tenfold from 2004 to 2012. Consequently, the spatial dynamics of trees can be reproduced using ontogenetic growth functions.

Annual wood increment and cambial activity in Macaranga gigantea and Endospermum diadenum growing in tropical rainforest were monitored to examine their relationship with stem sizes and climatic factors. The monitoring period was done from March 2013 to February 2014. Wood blocks containing phloem, cambium and outer sapwood were collected monthly from the main trunk of selected trees. Results showed that M. gigantea with smaller stem diameter showed higher annual diameter increment (16.63 ± 7.2 mm) than those with larger stem diameters (3.30 ± 0.1 mm) The total amount of wood formed in E. diadenum with larger stem diameter (9.17 ± 0.3 mm) was higher than the trees with smaller stem size (3.33 ± 0.3 mm). The rhythm of cambial activity were found different among tree species and stem diameters within the same species. M. gigantea with smaller stem diameter had longer active cambial growth period and produced higher number of cell layers than trees with larger stem diameter. In contrast, E. diadenum with larger stem diameter showed longer active growth period and higher number of cell layers than trees with smaller stem diameter. This study showed no significant correlation between mean number of cambial and enlarging cell layers with monthly total rainfall, monthly mean relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit and day length. Significant negative correlations were detected between maximum temperature and number of cambial and enlarging cell layers in M. gigantea with smaller stem size. For E. diadenum with smaller stem size, monthly mean temperature had significant negative correlation with the number of cambial cell layer. This study concluded that the intra-annual wood formation patterns of this two pioneer species are species specific and stem sizes specific.

Siregar M. 2017. Spatial distribution of abundant tree species at a mixed dipterocarps forest in Bukit Bangkirai, East Kalimantan, three years after long drought and forest fire. Pros. Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 3: 246-251. This study aims to determine the distribution of abundant tree species that survive or grow three years after long drought and forest fires. The tree distribution data were extracted from the database of three permanent plots at Bukit Bangkirai, namely: 1.0 ha plot at heavily damaged forest due to forest fires (HD-plot), 0.3 ha at lightly damaged forest due to forest fires (LD-plot) and 1.0 ha plot in a natural unburnt forest (K-plot). The distribution pattern was analyzed by using Morisita's indices of dispersion and Jaccard's indices of species association. Correlation of tree density with height and slope of land were also analyzed in each plot.The results showed that the most of the abundant tree species were clumped at small scales, and the clumps were randomly distributed (inter-clump distribution is random). An exception was found for Macaranga glaberrimus at K-plot and Madhuca kingiana at LD-plot which have random distribution both on small and large plots. Individuals of M. kingiana in K-plot were clumped at larger scales, and they were distributed uniformly within the clumps (intraclump distribution is uniform), which were distributed in the valley and steep slope. Inversely, Shorea laevis is rarely found in valleys and steep slopes. In HD-plot, distributions of Macaranga gigantea, Homalanthus populneus and Mallotus paniculatus were concentrated in the valley and in the lower parts of the slopes which have water availability. It can be concluded that the distribution of secondary species in HD-plot is much influenced by water availability, whereas in LD-plot and K-plot more affected by light availability

Karyati, Ipor IB, Jusoh I, Wasli ME. 2017. The diameter increment of selected tree species in a secondary tropical forest in Sarawak, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 18: 304-311. The diameter at breast height (DBH) increments of dominant tree species in a secondary forest can determine forest growth in the area. This study was conducted to investigate the DBH increments of the nine dominant tree species in a secondary tropical forest. A total number of 180 trees representing nine species, seven genera, and six families were selected for the assessment of DBH increments during two years of study. Those nine species, namely: Acacia mangium Willd. (2.33 cm year-1), Endospermum diadenum (Miq.) Airy Shaw (1.05 cm year-1), Cratoxylum arborescens Blume. (0.96 cm year-1), Vernonia arborea Buch. Ham. (0.96 cm year-1), and Cratoxylum glaucum Korth. (0.80 cm year-1) had shown a high growth rate during the assessment, while the other four species such as Macaranga gigantea Mull. Arg., Macaranga triloba Mull. Arg., Euodia glabra (Bl.) Bl., and Vitex pubescens Vahl. had 0.53, 0.48, 0.37, and 0.30 cm year-1 in DBH increments, respectively. The average DBH increments for the entire selected species was 0.86 cm year-1 for periodic measurement and 0.75 cm year-1 for monthly measurement. This information is needed in order to understand the succession process in the secondary forests. It is important for the selection of the suitable species in a reforestation and a rehabilitation projects. Keywords: Diameter increment, fast growing species, secondary forest, selected speciesÂ

In our effort to find materials for drugs and cosmetics from tropical natural resources, we screened 21 methanol extracts from 7 Macaranga trees species ( Macaranga bancana, Macaranga gigantea, Macaranga hulle ttii, Macaranga pruinosa, Macaranga tanarius, Macaranga trichocarpa, and Macaranga triloba) for antioxidant and antimelanogenesis. The antioxidant and melanogenesis (tyrosinase enzyme assay and melanin inhibitor in B16 melanoma) assays were used to determine the activities. The fractionation and the isolation of active compound were done by various chomatographic methods and the structure was determined by spectroscopic analysis data. We isolated a prenylated flavonoid, named Glyasperin A, from M. pruinosa leaf. This compound showed a potency as antioxidant and inhibited melanin in B16 melanoma but not tyrosinase activity. These results showed that the methanol leaf extracts of M. pruinosa could be developed for cosmetic applications especially as a skin whitening agent.

Amirta R, Mukhdlor A, Mujiasih D, Septia E, Supriadi, Susanto D. 2016. Suitability and availability analysis of tropical forest wood species for ethanol production: a case study in East Kalimantan. Biodiversitas 17: 544-552. Fifteen species of woody biomass from tropical forest of East Kalimantan, Indonesia and identified as Acacia mangium, Aleurites moluccana, Alstonia scholaris, Anthocephalus cadamba, Artocarpus altilis, Artocarpus elasticus, Cananga odorata, Gmelina arborea, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Leucaena leucocephala, Macaranga gigantea, Macaranga tanarius, Paraserianthes falcataria, Shorea leprosula and Swietenia macrophylla were characterized and studied to find out and discover their potential utilization as suitable feedstocks for biofuel (ethanol) production. Characterization was done by evaluation of lignin, holocellulose and cellulose contents of woody biomass including the yield of reducing sugar (saccharification) after pretreated with alkaline (NaOH) at moderate temperature. Among 15 species of tropical forest wood biomass evaluated, our findings showed that M. gigantea was gave the highest yield of saccharified sugar (42.22%, weight of original wood dry basis) and also yield of theoretical ethanol (± 273 L/ton). We also found growth of M. giganteawas very fast to produce approximately 26,119 kg ha-1 dry biomass within 3 years. In general, the tropical wood biomass such as M. gigantea, A. moluccana, G. arborea, A. cadamba, and P. falcataria are suitable and potentially to be used as feedstocks for ethanol production due to their fast growing ability, availability and attractive chemical composition to produce high saccharified sugar and yield of ethanol.

Susanto D, Ruchiyat D, Sutisna M, Amirta R. 2016. Soil and leaf nutrient status on growth of Macaranga gigantea in secondary forest after shifting cultivation in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 409-416. Macaranga gigantea is an important pioneer plant species in the tropical secondary forest of Kalimantan and as far the attractive wood species was not commercially cultivated. This study aims to determine the soil and nutrient status on growth of M. gigantea in the secondary forest particularly after shifting cultivation activity. For this purposes, the observation plots with 50m x 50m sizes were made and measured to collect the data of diameter, height, soil conditions and leaf nutrient concentrations -1 and 2.96 year -1 and it was gradually decreased until the 10 years old of plant. The negative correlations was observed from the soil nutrient K and growth of diameter and high of M. gigantea and this nutrient factor should be considered well when this species will be cultivated for the commercial purposes in the future.

Susanto D, Ruchiyat D, Sutisna M, Amirta R. Flowering, fruiting, seed germination and seedling growthof Macaranga gigantea. Biodiversitas 17: 192-199. The stages of flower and fruit development of Macaranga gigantea, its seed germination behavior in nature and from fruit harvesting, as well as the process of raising its seedlings in the laboratory were studied to determine the potential for production of M. gigantea seedlings. Five reproductive trees of M. gigantea were chosen as sources of seed. To estimate natural germination rates, four sample plots of 1 x 1 m 2 in four cardinal directions below the crown of every tree were set up. In addition, dry and wet extraction processes were carried out to determine , which the more effective method for germination of M. gigantea seeds. The results showed that t he time required from flower development to fruit ripening in M. gigantea flowers was 5-6 months. The flower buds initiated in the dry season (August 2011) and the fruits ripened in the rainy season (December 2011-January 2012). The seeds that fell under the parent tree germinated in approximately 24 days with an average seedling density of 75 -267 per m 2 . The germination in laboratory showed that the percentage and the rate of germination of the seeds extracted through the wet extraction process were higher than those extracted through the dry extraction process. The highest rate of germination (65%) is by the combination of seeds extracted through wet extraction process and grown on compost media. The relative growth rate of seedlings planted on mushroom spawn waste media was the highest rate (0.36 ± 0.42%), followed by those planted on compost media (0.15± 0.09%), top soil media (0.10± 0.04%) and sand media (0.10± 0.07%).