I managed to collect a few Dipterocarpus sp. seeds with Dr Khadijah on the UPM campus by the lake. The seeds were a total surprise as Dr Khadijah brought me to the site simply to show me the Dipterocarpus trees. I am sorry that I no longer remember the species so please enlighten me, Dr Khadijah. However, the seeds that were found were dried and old. This lead Dr Khadijah to be unsure of whether they are still available or not. Nonetheless, she encouraged me to soak them in water in hopes of them germinating.
Indeed we were very lucky and one of the seeds did indeed germinate. I found the radicle on the 14th of February and I soaked the seeds in water on the 10th of February. The joy from seeing the radicle was overwhelming. I was running all over my veranda furiously calling and messaging all my friends to tell them about the good news. I have to admit I have not tried germinating anything from a seed since I was in primary school. Today my mother transferred the seed from the container with water into a pot as there wasn't any polybags at home.

I hope the seed will germinate into a seedling in due time. Once again, I would like to thank Dr Khadijah and Dr Jean for their time, seeds, saplings and of course the fact that they are doing a project like this.

Dear Joon,

I presume the species is Dipterocarpus kunstleri. We pleased to know that the dried seed well sprouting. Indeed, we are also learning from your work on the occurrence of dormancy period within the Dipterocarpaceae. I and Jean often thought that the availability of Dipterocarpuceae seeds is only within their fresh look. Therefore, the seed almost has no dormancy period. Your work chased away this common believe on the validity of Dipterocarpaceae seeds.

Dear Dr Khadijah,

Sadly, the other seeds did not germinate. Upon further inspection most of them have suffered fungal attacks. I think my case could be a chance event maybe when you find more dried dipterocarp seeds we should attempt to germinate it again.

Cheers,
Joon

Hello everyone,

I have some exciting news to share with everyone. The Dipterocarpus kunstleri seedling has finally sprouted its shoots. This is extremely good news. I only noticed it today.

The seedling is sprouting a third leaf. The two original leaves have grown. The seedling appears to be doing well.

Dear Joon Y, it's such a nice news. The young plant looks very healthy also.

Hello Everyone,

Just another update on the growth of my plant. It has been growing very well.



Cheers,
Joon Yee