Vatica rassak
# Vatica rassak

Vatica rassak is a tree in the family Dipterocarpaceae, native to Maritime Southeast Asia. The specific epithet rassak is from resak, the species' Malay common name.

## Description

Vatica rassak grows up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 70 cm (28 in). Its coriaceous leaves are elliptic to oblong and measure up to 32 cm (13 in) long. The inflorescences bear cream flowers. In Borneo, a newly discovered, unnamed special caterpillar makes use of the poisonous resin from this tree to build a cocoon.

## Distribution and habitat

Vatica rassak is native to Borneo, Java, the Maluku Islands, Sulawesi, New Guinea and the Philippines. Its habitat is along rivers and in lowland dipterocarp forest, at altitudes to 400 m (1,300 ft).

