Tales of Siam: Stories From the Heart of the Forest
In Southern Thailand, many areas are tropical and are characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and wet and dry seasons. Some soils that are commonly found are Lateritic soil, Alluvial soil, and Peat soil. Because of this, most trees that grow in this region are often best grown in humid and tropical areas.
Rhizophora Mangle
Common Name:
Red Mangrove
Red Mangrove
Thai Name:
Thon Kong Kaang (ต้นโกงกาง)
Ecological Niche:
Thon Kong Kaang (ต้นโกงกาง)
A mangrove is a shrub or tree mainly found in coastal saline or brackish water. It grows in an equatorial climate, typically along coastlines and tidal rivers. Red Mangrove trees are mostly found in Asia, such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The tree grows best in places with warm temperatures year round, with temperatures between 20°C and 35°C.
(Photo by © Hans Hillewaert,
Durio Zibethinus
Common Name:
Durian Tree
Durian Tree
Thai Name:
Thon Turian (ต้นทุเรียน)
Ecological Niche:
Thon Turian (ต้นทุเรียน)
Durian trees thrive in tropical areas, ceasing growth when average daily temperatures fall below 22°C (72°F). The fruit is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Durian is often called the “King of Fruits” in Southeast Asia due to its popularity and rich nutrition.
(Photo by Christian Advs Sltg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Cocos nucifera
Common Name:
Coconut Palm
Coconut Palm
Thai Name:
Thon Maphraw (ต้นมะพร้าว)
Ecological Niche:
Thon Maphraw (ต้นมะพร้าว)
Coconut palm flourishes best close to the sea in low-lying areas a few feet above high water where there is circulating groundwater and ample rainfall. It grows and crops best in a hot climate environment and is found mostly in tropical coastal areas. Additionally, the tree should get plenty of sunlight in order to fully grow.
(Photo by Sanfy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Common)
