The Ethnobotany of Benzoin (Styrax spp.) in Sumatra

This article deals with the observations made in a field research in North Sumatera (Toba, Dolok Sanggul, Sarula Valley, North Tapanuli), South Sumatra and Jambi, concerning the traditional agricultural system, extraction activities and the used of benzoin.The society of Sumatra (North Sumatra) classify three kinds of benzoin tree according to the quality of the resin, i.e., hamijon toba, hamijon durame and hamijon bubt. Hamijon toba is identified as Styrax paralleloneurum Perk., which is cultivated at locations above 1000 m contour and produce the best quality resin. Hamijon durame which is cultivated at lower elevation site 500-1000 m, produces a lower quality material. It can be identified as Styrax benzoin Dryand. A-nd for the hamijon bulu has not been exactly identified, but concerning the morphology and habitat of the tree and the characters of its resin seem to suggest that it may be a kind of natural hybrid of the two species referred to above. The resin can be obtained from the trees of 6-70 years of age. The quality of the resin is primarily determined by the species of benzoin tree. The older the trees, however, the lesser the mount of high grade resins. The commercial blend-benzoins are manufactured by blending different quality resins in various proportions. Even the dammar, a non benzoin material, is mixed to fairly high percentages. Prosiding Valuasi Hasil Hutan Bukan Kayu di Kawasan Konservasi HTI 2011. Hal. 189-202