Arboretum of Threatened Philippine Trees

Scientific Name: Xanthostemon bracteatus

Local Names: Mapilig

Family: Myrtaceae

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (DAO 2017-11)

Height: 25 meters

Why Should We Protect?

Mapilig is found along riverbanks with ultramafic soil at elevations up to 800 masl. It is now being used in landscaping for its ornamental value. It grows popcorn-like white and yellow flowers that attract a number of pollinators. Its fruit will split open to release seeds for the wind to disperse.The wood is among the hardest and is used for high-quality furniture like chairs and tables. Illegal poaching is still common.

Scientific Name: Dillenia luzoniensis
Family: Dilleniaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 5 meters

Why should we protect the Malakatmon?

The Malakatmon is endemic to the Philippines and can be found along riverbanks at low altitudes. In Zambales and Surigao del Norte, it has been observed to be an obligate metallophyte and hyperaccumulator of Nickel, meaning it can take up, store, and accumulate Nickel from the soil. In contrast to the more popular Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis) with big white flowers, the Malakatmon has eye-catching yellow blooms that develop into candy-colored pink-orange fruit. When ripe, the fruit pops open to reveal the dark pink to red seeds. The wood is used for light construction, posts, beams, joints, rafters, flooring, and furniture. Malaktmon continuously flowers throughout the year and can be propagated via seeds and cuttings.

Scientific Name: Vitex parviflora
Family: Lamiaceae
Conservation Status: Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Lesser Sunda Islands, Moluccas)
Height: 40 meters

Why should we protect the Molave?
Molave can be found throughout the Philippines, usually in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons. This species is good for preventing soil erosion and controlling sediment retention. The wood is used for high grade construction where both strength and durability are needed. It is a widely used species for posts, sculptures, furniture, flooring, ships, doors, and window frames. The seeds are recalcitrant, and should be sown immediately in potting medium. Seedlings are ready for outplanting when they reach a height of 65 cm at 8 to 9 months after transplanting.

Scientific Name: Tectona philippinensis
Family: Lamiaceae
Conservation Status: Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 20 meters

Why should we protect the Philippine Teak?

The wood of the Philippine teak is durable and used locally for construction. These are used as posts for housing with immature trees preferred for building. It is also used as firewood. Dipterocarp seeds are recalcitrant and easily lose viability when dried or stored long. The seeds should be planted in potting medium as soon as possible.

Scientific Name: Clerodendrum quadriloculare
Family: Lamiaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, New Guinea)
Height: 5 meters

Why should we protect the Bagauak Morado?

Despite being cultivated widely for its beautiful dark hued leaves and showy white fireworks-like flowers, the Bagauak Morado is threatened in the wild. Locally, the leaves are used to healing wounds and treating ulcers. A poultice of the leaves can be applied to treat flatulence. This can be dispersed by seeds, sprouts, and root suckers. The fruits produce large amounts of seeds that are commonly dispersed by birds.
 

Scientific Name: Tristaniopsis decorticata
Family: Myrtaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 25 meters

Why should we protect the Malabayabas?

The Malabayabas is endemic to the Philippines. Its flowers have tiny white petals around yellow stamens that eventually develop into a red fruit that will split open to release seeds for the wind to disperse. It has been overharvested in the wild because it is prized for its quality lumber used in making furniture and for construction. The reddish bark peels away in strips and gives the trunk a distinctly beautiful texture. This species is good for preventing soil erosion and controlling sediment retention. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. These can be sown directly to grower bags or first grown in seed beds. Seedlings will reach the outplanting age with a height of around 11 cm by 3 months.

Scientific Name: Xanthostemon verdugonianus
Family: Myrtaceae
Conservation Status: Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 20 meters

Why should we protect the Mangkono?
An evergreen tree with a bright red compound flower that can be trained to be a hedge. The hard wood is used for posts of houses, tool handles, novelties, and poles. Mangkono can be propagated through seeds or by collecting wildlings. Seed pods are collected and the seeds separated from the pod to avoid decay. The seeds are nicked before soaking in water for 24 hours. Seeds can be planted 3cm deep and the edge with the hilum should be facing down. These can be planted in a large bag to allow its long tap root to grow. The seedling should be placed in a shaded area until it is strong enough for planting in the field.

Scientific Name: Xanthostemon philippinensis
Family: Myrtaceae
Conservation Status: Critically endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 25 meters

Why should we protect the Bagoadlau?
The Bagoadlau grows tall and flowers bright yellow blooms which look almost alien in shape. The wood is one of the hardest of the ironwood trees and is used for construction.

Scientific Name: Xanthostemon bracteatus
Local Names: Mapilig
Family: Myrtaceae
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 25 meters

Why should we protect the Mapilig?
Mapilig is found along riverbanks with ultramafic soil at elevations up to 800 meters above sea level. It is now being used in landscaping for its ornamental value. It grows popcorn-like white and yellow flowers that attract a number of pollinators. Its fruit will split open to release seeds for the wind to disperse. The wood is among the hardest and is used for high-quality furniture like chairs and tables. Illegal poaching is still common.

Scientific Name: Hopea plagata
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Borneo)
Height: 55 meters

Why should we protect the Yakal-Saplingan?
This dipterocarp tree can be found throughout the Philippines under a variety of different names. The fruits have prominent wings for propagation through wind. Yakal-saplungan can be planted as windbreaks and to control soil erosion. The wood is used for doors, windows, furniture, and general construction where durability is needed. Dipterocarp seeds are recalcitrant and easily lose viability when dried or stored long. After cutting the wings, the seeds should be planted in potting medium as soon as possible.
 

Scientific Name: Shorea malibato 
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Conservation Status: Critically endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 30 meters

Why should we protect the Yakal-malibato?

Although found rarely in the wild, this tall tree grows along steep slopes in lowland forests (0-500 masl). It can be found in Luzon (Quezon & Camarines), Visayas (Leyte) and Mindanao (Zamboanga & Agusan del Norte). Known to fruit in October (Zamboanga). Yakal-malibato can be planted as windbreaks and to control soil erosion. The wood is used for high-grade construction such as bridges and wharves. Dipterocarp seeds are recalcitrant and easily lose viability when dried or stored long. After cutting the wings, the seeds should be planted in potting medium as soon as possible.

Scientific Name: Shorea falciferoides ssp. falciferoides
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 30 meters

Why should we protect the Yakal-yamban?
This can be found in mixed dipterocarp forests that are seasonally wet or always moist up to 1000 masl. Known to fruit in May (Zambales). The trees are used for land reclamation and as shade for abaca. The wood is used for heavy construction such as posts and beams. Dipterocarp seeds are recalcitrant and easily lose viability when dried or stored long. After cutting the wings, the seeds should be planted in potting medium as soon as possible.

Scientific Name: Dipterocarpus grandiflorus
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Andaman Isls, Bangladesh, Borneo, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Singapore, Sumatra, Thailand, Vietnam)
Height: 45 meters

Why should we protect the Apitong?
Apitong tends to flower and fruit annually and more consistently than other Dipterocarp species. It takes 3-5 months for the fruit to mature and the seeds tend to shed at the onset of the rainy season. The tree produces Oleo-resin. It can also be planted to aid in soil improvement and erosion control. The wood is used for posts, beams, rafters, flooring, bridges and wharves, and other construction that requires hard and heavy timber. Dipterocarp seeds are recalcitrant and easily lose viability when dried or stored long. After cutting the wings, the seeds should be planted in potting medium as soon as possible.

Scientific Name: Shorea guiso
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Conservation Status: Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Borneo, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Thailand, Vietnam)
Height: 60 meters

Why should we protect the Guijo?
Guijo can be found from 30-600masl, in primary forests growing on red soils, and prefers drier inland soils or on ridges. Guijo trees found in Rizal were recorded blooming in June. Guijo can be planted as windbreaks and to control soil erosion. The wood is used for doors, windows, furniture, and general construction where durability is needed. Dipterocarp seeds are recalcitrant and easily lose viability when dried or stored long. After cutting the wings, the seeds should be planted in potting medium as soon as possible.
 

Scientific Name: Vatica mangachapoi ssp. mangachapoi
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Borneo, Malay Peninsula, Vietnam)
Height: 35 meters

Why should we protect the Narig?
Narig occurs in primary forests up to 800 masl. They are observed to flower in May (Bataan). The wood is used for high-grade construction, posts, salt-water pilings, bobbins/shuttles, and scientific/engineering equipment. Dipterocarp seeds are recalcitrant and easily lose viability when dried or stored long. After cutting the wings, the seeds should be planted in potting medium as soon as possible.

Scientific Name: Diospyros discolor
Family: Ebenaceae
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Borneo)
Height: 32 meters

Why should we protect the Kamagong?

Kamagong wood is known for its exceptional beauty and hardness. It's popularly used for furniture and arnis sticks. Its edible fruit is known as mabolo and is derived from the word bolo, which means hair, since the fruit has reddish-brown hairy skin. This rare tree is critically endangered in the wild, but it can be found in parks and schools around the Philippines. The bark, leaf and unripe fruit extract has astringent properties for treating wounds, cough, fever, dysentery, snake bites and diarrhea. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.

Scientific Name: Diyospyros poncei
Family: Ebenaceae
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 9 meters

Why should we protect the Kamagong ponce?
This rare tree is endemic to Luzon (Isabela, Quezon, Camarines Norte) and Mindanao. The Kamagong Ponce looks very similar to Kamagong, but the leaves and the seeds are much smaller. The wood is known to be used for furniture, tool handles, guitar finger boards and keys, weaving instruments such as shuttles, bobbins and spindles, as well as combs and other novelties. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.

Scientific Name: Diospyros mindanaensis Merr.
Family: Ebenaceae
Conservation Status: Other Threatened Species (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Borneo)
Height: 25 meters

Why should we protect the Atá-áta?
In the wild, the seedlings sprout around the mother tree like a green carpet, such as in Sitio Kaninirok, Capalonga in Camarines Norte. The wood is used for temporary construction , scaling sticks and logging skids. It's also used for agricultural tool handles, golf club heads and other materials that need a light colored yet tough wood. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.
 

Scientific Name: Diospyros cauliflora
Family: Ebenaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Java, Sulawesi, Moluccas, New Guinea)
Height: 20 meters

Why should we protect the Apunan?
This slow growing tree is used as a heavy hardwood for house construction. The species epithet, cauliflora, alludes to its flowers which appear on the trunk or on bare branches. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.

Scientific Name: Diyospyros pilosanthera spp. pilosanthera
Local Names: Tanaylan (Loreto, Dinagat Island)
Family: Ebenaceae
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Borneo, Java, Malay Peninsula, Moluccas, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Thailand)
Height: 40 meters

Why should we protect the Bolong-eta?
It is native to Northern Luzon to Palawan and Mindanao. The immature leaves sprout as shiny red and it gradually develops into dark green mature leaves. The wood is known to be used for furniture, tool handles, guitar finger boards and keys, weaving instruments such as shuttles, bobbins and spindles, as well as combs and other novelties. The flowering season has been recorded in March. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media

Scientific Name: Diyospyros curranii
Family: Ebenaceae
Conservation Status: Other Threatened Species (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Borneo, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Sumatra, Thailand)
Height: 20 meters

Why should we protect the Malagatmon?
Also called Hinla-ata in Sibuyan island, this tree was once used as firewood and charcoal before Mt. Guiting-guiting was declared a natural park. The wood is used in parts of light-material houses, logging skids, and handles of agricultural tools. Its strong and light colored wood is used for golf club heads and similar items. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.

Scientific Name: Intsia bijuga
Family: Fabaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Africa, Andaman Isls, Australia, Bismarck Arch, Borneo, Cambodia, India, Indian Ocean, Java, Madagascar, Malay Peninsula, Moluccas, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Nicobar Islands, Pacific Ocean, Ryukyu Isls, Solomon Isls, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam)
Height: 50 meters

Why should we protect the Ipil?
Ipil, also known as Borneo Teak or Moluccan Ironwood, sheds their leaves once a year, but continues to flower and fruit all year round. The interesting white flower has three red sepals and attracts bees and butterflies. They can be found in limestone forests (up to 600 masl) with other leguminous trees, along seashores and rivers, and at the back of mangrove forests. Ipil is commonly used as a roadside tree for its ornamental value and shade. It can withstand termite attacks. The wood is used for high grade construction, furniture, house posts, and other uses that require long-lasting and durable wood. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.

Scientific Name: Afzelia rhomboidea
Family: Fabaceae
Conservation Status: Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra)
Height: 30 meters

Why should we protect the Tindalo?
Tindalo can be found in low to medium altitude primary forests, usually in deep moist soil on the gentle slopes of mountains. It can grow in a wide variety of substrate from clay-loam to shallow sandy soil. Its flowers are yellow-red calyx and green stamen sitting in a green calyx. Tindalo is observed to have mature fruit from May to April. The tree can be used to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. The wood is used for high-grade furniture, cabinets, door and window frames, and flooring. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.
 

Scientific Name: Wallaceodendron celebicum
Family: Fabaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Sulawesi)
Height: 30 meters

Why should we protect the Banuyo?
Banuyo can be found in primary and secondary forests. This is especially so near the seashore, but they can also be found inland up to 850 masl. The flowers have stamen in clusters of whitish tufts and the fruits are pods with oblong flattened seeds inside. The wood is used for high-grade interiors, cabinets, sculptures, carvings, and veneer stock. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.
 

Scientific Name: Sindora supa
Family: Fabaceae
Conservation Status: Endangered (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Endemic
Height: 30 meters

Why should we protect the Supa?
Supa can be found on limestone ridges and in forests from low to medium altitude. It has a distinct seed pod, which is a broad oval shape with evenly spaced spines, that houses two large seeds. Supa has also been called the kerosene tree because of its renewable high oil yield. The wood oil has medicinal value since it is used for herpes, eczema, and other skin diseases. The oil is also used for varnish, paint, transparent paper and lamp oil. The wood is prized for its aroma and is used for high-grade furniture, music instruments, and flooring. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. To help germinate, the seeds can be scarified and soaked in water first. These can be sown directly to grower bags or first grown in seed beds. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media. Seedlings will reach the outplanting age with a height of around 11 cm by 3 months. These can be trained to be hardy by gradually increasing exposure to sunlight and reducing watering.
 

Scientific Name: Dracontomelon dao
Family: Anacardiaceae
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Andaman Isls, Bangladesh, Bismarck Arch, Borneo, Cambodia, China, India, Java, Laos, Lesser Sunda Islands, Malay Peninsula, Moluccas, Myanmar, New Guinea, Nicobar Isls, Solomon Islands, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Thailand, Vietnam)
Height: more than 30 meters

Why should we protect the Dao?
Also called the Pacific Walnut, the Dao is the namesake of Dao in Capiz and Barangay Dau in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The edible fruits are globose with distinct oval markings on the top. These are yellow when ripe and found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. The wood is used for plywood, veneers, furniture, and interior trimming.
 

Scientific Name: Koordersiodendron pinnatum
Family: Anacardiaceae
Conservation Status: Other Threatened Species (DAO 2017-11)
Distribution: Native (Philippines, Moluccas, New Guinea, Sulawesi)
Height: 45 meters

Why should we protect the Amugis?
The sweet and edible fruit is also a favorite of the palm civet. It is used in local medicine and studies show that it has suggested anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The wood is moderately durable, heavy, and has a dark red color. This uniform color makes it excellent for furniture and house construction. The seeds are recalcitrant, which means it needs to be sown immediately. The fallen mature fruit can be planted straight into potting media.