Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre
摘要
Dalbergia cochinchinensis, commonly known as Siamese rosewood, is a valuable tropical hardwood species native to Southeast Asia, mainly in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. This tree grows up to 25–30 m and thrives in mixed deciduous and dry evergreen forests, often at altitudes 100–800 m above sea level. The tree is renowned for its dense, dark, and richly hued heartwood, making it highly prized for luxury furniture, musical instruments, and decorative carvings. The wood colour, durability, and termite resistance have made it popular, leading to rampant illegal logging and overexploitation, pushing the species to extinction. D. cochinchinensis is classified as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List and listed under Appendix II of the CITES. Despite its environmental and economic significance, reforestation and breeding programmes for D. cochinchinensis have been slow to gain attention, mainly owing to its slow growth. There is a need for stricter enforcement of logging bans, promoting community-based forest management, and international cooperation to curb illegal trade. Raising awareness about the species’ ecological and cultural importance can help ensure the survival of this iconic tree. This chapter delves into the conservation and management of D. cochinchinensis, providing a comprehensive overview of its taxonomy, distribution, ecology, and current conservation status.