ABSTRACT
The numbers of large-scale and smallholder Paraserianthes falcataria plantations have increased steadily. The main P. falcataria cultivation areas are in Sumatra, Java, Bali, Flores and Maluku, as well as some forest management unit and forest plantation companies in Sabah, Malaysia. P. falcataria (L.) Nielsen, also known as Batai, is one of the fastest growing and most important pioneer multipurpose tree species in some Southeast Asian countries. P. falcataria is a large tree that can grow up to 40 m tall with the first branch at a height of up to 20 m. P. falcataria is categorised as a pioneer species that occurs in primary forest but more characteristically in secondary lowland rainforest and in light montane forest, grassy plains and along roadsides near the coast. P. falcataria wood is generally lightweight and soft to moderately soft. As a nitrogen-fixing species, P. falcataria is also commonly planted for reforestation and afforestation to improve soil fertility.
