The Dipterocarpaceae is an ecologically and economically important tree family in Southeast Asia. In this article, we synthesize the con-tributions to our understanding of the population genetics, ecology, and conservation of the family presented in this Special Section, and discuss their implications for mechanisms of dipterocarp species coexistence in natural and disturbed forests. We highlight the need for research to address how the processes that give rise to dipterocarp diversity are maintained in landscapes modified by anthropogenic activity.