Pohon Kepel Stelechocarpus burahol merupakan jenis tumbuhan langka yang memiliki nilai ekologi dan budaya tinggi, namun keberadaannya semakin terancam dan sulit ditemukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi karakteristik habitat pohon kepel di kawasan Hutan Gunung Tilu, KPH Kuningan, untuk mendukung upaya konservasi dan pelestarian. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode eksplorasi dan pembuatan plot contoh untuk menganalisis faktor biotik (vegetasi pendamping) dan faktor abiotik (pH tanah, ketinggian tempat, suhu, dan kelembaban). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pohon kepel tumbuh baik pada tanah jenis latosol dengan pH netral, suhu berkisar 25ºC (kategori dingin), kelembaban udara 70% (agak kering), dan pada lereng curam 45º-46ºC.
Kata Kunci : Stelechocarpus burahol, Karakteristik Habitat, Kawasan Hutan Gunung Tilu KPH Kuningan.

The Kepel tree Stelechocarpus burahol is a rare plant species that has high ecological and cultural value, but its existence is increasingly threatened and difficult to find. This study aims to identify the characteristics of the kepel tree habitat in the Gunung Tilu Forest area, KPH Kuningan, to support conservation and preservation efforts. The research was conducted using exploration methods and the creation of sample plots to analyze biotic factors (companion vegetation) and abiotic factors (soil pH, altitude, temperature, and humidity). The result of the study showed that kepel trees grow well on latosol type soil with neutral pH, temperatures ranging from 25o C (cold category), relative humidity of 70% (rather dry), and on steep slopes of 45-46 o. commonly found companion vegetation is coffee (Coffea sp.), kidahu, and caruy. The hignest importance value index (IVI) at various tree growth stages indicates the dominance of kepel trees in their habitat. This finding provides impormant information for conservation strategies based on the natural habitat of kepel trees.
Keywords: Stelechocarpus burahol, Habitat characteristics, Mount Tilu KPH Kuningan forest area.