Borneo Rasamala Root on the Surface: Borneo Rasamala Root (Altingia excelsa) is harvested from the juvenile root systems of the rasamala tree, a canopy species growing up to 50 meters tall and native to the humid forests of Java, Sumatra, and the surrounding islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Ours is sourced from West Java. These roots are lightweight and durable, with a gnarled branching structure and warm brown to dark brown coloration. Their profile is noticeably thicker than our Melastoma roots. In our botanical method, blackwater, and biotope aquariums they provide surface area for biofilm colonization and territorial definition for a wide range of species. Essential Details Tannin Level: Low to negligible; contributes minimal brown tint Tint Color: Yellow/brown Durability: Durable; resists breakdown Habitat Location: Humid montane and hill forests of Java, Sumatra, and the Indonesian archipelago Optimal For: Southeast Asian biotope aquariums, blackwater aquariums, botanical method aquariums, vivariums, terrariums, and paludariums Use with Caution: Suitable for all inhabitants Size Range: Medium: approximately 8"–12" length, 6"–8" width; Large: approximately 14"–18" length, 6"–8" width Quantities: Sold individually as 1 piece or in a 2-pack. This is a natural product, and variation in branching structure, color, and form between pieces is expected. Borneo Rasamala Root for Aquariums & Vivariums Rasamala roots are a structural botanical, functioning differently from leaf litter or seed pods in the ecosystem. Rather than contributing to detrital accumulation or tannin output, their primary role is physical: providing structure that supports biofilm development, defines territories, and creates refuge within the water column and substrate zone of our botanical method aquariums. Once submerged and conditioned, the textured surface of these roots becomes a productive grazing site for biofilms and microbial communities. In aquariums housing shrimps, small loaches, plecos, or suckermouth catfish, these roots serve as grazing habitat and shelter that replicates the submerged roots and snag habitat found along the margins of Southeast Asian forest streams. Shrimp in particular will work the surface continuously as the biofilms regenerate. Waterlogging is necessary before placement into your botanical method aquarium. Boiling the root, then soaking it in a bucket of water for several days, is the most efficient approach, ensuring you are exchanging the water once or twice during the soak. Some pieces will require longer. Once waterlogged, the root will remain in place on the substrate without anchoring. In vivariums and paludariums, waterlogging is not required, but you should bake the wood to ensure sterilization before placing it inside your enclosures. These roots pair well with other Southeast Asian materials: Melastoma roots for contrast in scale, Arjuna pods, Sterculia pods, and Jambolan Leaves for tint and habitat. Beneath the Leaves: Altingia excelsa in the Wild Altingia excelsa is an evergreen tree reaching up to 50 metres in height across the warmer regions of its Indonesian range, forming part of the upper canopy layer in humid montane forests from the foothills of the Himalayas through Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Java. It grows in rich, well-drained volcanic soils, where its root systems extend laterally through the forest floor and, along stream margins, directly into the water. In these environments, exposed and submerged root structures form snag habitat, zones of complexity along stream banks and channel margins where small fish, invertebrates, and aquatic insects concentrate. Organic matter accumulates around root bases, detrital layers build, and microbial communities establish the foundation of the food web. The roots introduced into an aquarium or vivarium help us to mimic this. Mother Nature leads the way. Sustainability Note: This product's packaging is home compostable. Just like the botanicals inside, it will break down naturally and return to the soil, because what supports your ecosystem should minimally impact our planet. Not for human consumption. Preparation required. This is a natural product — variation in color, shape, and branching structure between pieces is expected.
