dipterocarp
Refers to any tree of the genus Dipterocarpus, a tropical hardwood tree. Often encountered in the context of forestry or imported timber; the Japanese name is a calque of the scientific name (di- 'two' + pteron 'wing' + karpos 'fruit'), referring to the two-winged fruit.
See also: ラワン
Dipterocarps are tall trees native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.
This furniture is made from dipterocarp wood.
ラワン (lauan) is a common trade name for light hardwood from Shorea species, also in the Dipterocarpaceae family, but not the same genus as フタバガキ (Dipterocarpus).
Katakana spelling is standard for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling using 二葉 (two leaves) and 柿 (persimmon), but the plant is not a persimmon; this form is rare and may be confusing.
Alternate kanji spelling using 双葉 (twin leaves); equally rare and not recommended for learners.
The Japanese name フタバガキ is a direct translation of the genus name Dipterocarpus: 二葉 (futaba, 'two leaves/wings') + 柿 (kaki, 'persimmon'), though the tree is not related to persimmons. The name refers to the characteristic two-winged fruit.