This chheu teal tree [a kind of tree which is valuable and scarce] is planted upside down by the Khmer hero Oknha Son Kuy in 1821 before he makes his final courageous act by giving up his life to save the Khmer nation as we know today in Kampuchea Krom. The tree stands today in Preah Trapeang province.

Abstract
Pterospermum mengii P.Wilkie (Dombeyoideae, Malvaceae/Sterculiaceae) from Cambodia and Kampuchea Krom is described as new to science and illustrated. It is most similar to Pterospermum pecteniforme Kosterm., sharing a distinctive wavy ridge at the margin of each locule of the capsular fruit, but differing by its larger leaves, oblong to obovate leaf shape, deeply cordate leaf base, and stellate indumentum on the undersurface of the leaves and fruit.

Scientific Name: Dipterocarpacee

Picture provided by S. Thach.
KKC Photos