M’sia now has NATIONAL TREE; get to know the pokok Merbau

Earlier today (August 23), our Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officiated the merbau tree (Malacca teak) as our country’s NATIONAL TREE.

The Malacca teak was officially announced today to be a symbol of pride for the country at the “Hutan Kita: Journey Through Our Rainforest” exhibition in Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Our national tree is also scientifically known as Intsia palembanica.

“Having a national tree symbolises the importance of the forest.”

Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr. A. Xavier Jayakumar adds that

It reflects the significance of the forest on our country’s development and economy.

Now we already have a national tree, we decided to get to know it just a little bit better with…

Fun facts about the Merbau Tree:

1. It can grow up to 50m tall, and it is branchless till about 22m up!
2. An adult tree can reach150cm in width.
3. It normally grows near the coast, and common in lowland forests.

That’s a tall THICC tree guys!

Visit our national tree together with 850 other species of trees at KL tower this weekend till September 22 for FREE.