Among the most commonly found trees in the Lake Toba Area (Kawasan Danau Toba or KDT) are Arenga Palm (Enau or Nira), Eucalyptus, Pine, Candlenut (Kemiri), Stink Bean (Petai), Avocado, Durian, Fir, Suren (Ingul), and Banyan Tree (Hariara or Beringin).
These ten types of hardwood trees are abundant, especially the rows of Pine and Arenga Palms, which are unmistakable when traveling through the regencies around Lake Toba.
Formerly classified as forests, these areas have been transformed and are now recognized as Eucalyptus Forests, Pine Forests, and Arenga Palm Forests, among others.
1. Arenga Palm (Enau or Nira)
This tree is one of the most dominant in the Lake Toba region and is widely cultivated by local communities.
- Arenga Palms are primarily grown for their sap, which is used to produce palm wine (tuak).
- Currently, there is no focus on fully utilizing this tree from upstream to downstream.
- There is potential for producing palm sugar, palm fruit (kolangkaling), fibers (ijuk), and other products derived from the Arenga Palm.
2. Pine (Pinus merkusii)
The Sumatran Pine Forests dominate the landscape of Lake Toba.
- The Pinus merkusii is a medium to large tree that can grow up to 25–45 meters (82–148 feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet).
- The tree’s bark is orange-red, thick, and deeply fissured at the base, while the upper bark is thinner and scaly.
- Its needle-like leaves grow in pairs, are slender, 15–20 cm long, and less than 1 mm thick, with a green to yellowish-green hue.
- The cones are narrow, initially green, and mature into glossy reddish-brown, releasing seeds dispersed by the wind.
3. Eucalyptus
- Known scientifically as Eucalyptus, this tree is widely found throughout the Lake Toba area.
- It is cultivated extensively by TPL (Toba Pulp Lestari), a company that manages large tracts of land in the region.
- The trees are grown to produce paper, tissue, and other products.
4. Fir (Cemara)
- Commonly found in highland areas, especially in the hilly terrain of the Lake Toba area.
- This tree grows easily and is not specifically cultivated for its economic benefits.
- Its wood is often used as firewood by local communities.
5. Banyan Tree (Hariara or Beringin)
- A symbolic tree for the Batak people, this large tree is frequently seen in the Lake Toba region.
- The Banyan Tree holds cultural significance and is a common sight in traditional Batak villages.
Flora Diversity Around Lake Toba
Lake Toba boasts rich biodiversity, featuring an array of plants ranging from trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses to other vegetation like:
- Dipterocarp species: Meranti, Kapur, Keruing.
- Wild Fruits: Forest mangosteen, kingwood.
- Spices and Cash Crops: Cloves, coffee, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Common Trees: Mahogany, teak, johar, avocado, candlenut, and durian.
- Fruit and Nut Trees: Mango, jackfruit, rambutan, soursop, coconut, and tamarind.
The Lake Toba Ecosystem
Spanning approximately 100 km in length and 30 km in width, Lake Toba supports a thriving ecosystem of flora and fauna.
- Situated at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, the cool climate fosters the growth of diverse plants, including fruits, spices, and vegetables.
- This fertile environment makes the Batak land a rich agricultural hub.
Author/Editor: Damayanti Sinaga