PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
- 1.) Bani Scientific Name: Milletia pinnata; syn. Pongamia pinnata ...
- 2.) Malabulak Scientific Name: Bombax Ceiba ...
- 3.) Banaba Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia speciosa ...
- 4.) Katmon Scientific Name: Dillenia philippinensis ...
- 5.) Ilang-Ilang Scientific Name: Cananga odorata ...
- 6.) Molave Scientific Name: Vitex parviflora ...
- 7.) Dap-Dap Scientific Name: Erythrina Orientalis ...
- 8.) Narra Scientific Name: Pterocarpus indicus ...
How many native trees are there in the Philippines?
The University of the Philippines-Diliman Washington Sycip Garden of Native Trees is home to over 100 species of both endemic and indigenous trees. However, the diversity of native flora is unknown to city dwellers. According to Achacoso, more than 90 percent of the trees we encounter in our urban centers are foreign.
What are the endemic plant species in the Philippines?
The country also supports the growth of many endemic plant species like Tectona philippinensis. Philippine Teak ( Tectona philippinensis) belongs to the Verbenaceae family. The species rises to a height of 15-25 meters with elliptic-ovate lanceolata with rough surfaces, pale underside and light greenish on top.The blooms are bright purple.
What are the different types of hardwood trees in the Philippines?
Although the commercial forestry business in the Philippines is mostly dominated by Gmelina and Mahogany, there are also other native Philippine forest trees that are worth investing in. By planting native hardwood trees in the Philippines, you are not only making money but also helping preserve these threatened tree species.
What are the most endangered trees in the Philippines?
Kamagong is critically endangered as well, but organizations, such as Masungi Georeserve Foundation, have been making efforts to protect it by planting more Kamagong seedlings. Because of deforestation, the survival of the Philippine teak is in peril. It’s a small tree found in Luzon and is often used for firewood.

What is an endemic tree?
Endemic plants are special because they are found in only one location on the planet, and nowhere else.
How many plants are endemic in the Philippines?
At the very least, one-third of the more than 9,250 vascular plant species native to the Philippines are endemic. Plant endemism in the hotspot is mostly concentrated at the species level; there are no endemic plant families and 26 endemic genera.
Is acacia tree endemic to the Philippines?
Acacia confusa (Small Philippine Acacia) is a species of tree in the family legumes. They have a self-supporting growth form. They are native to Taiwan, China, and The Philippines. They have compound, broad leaves.
What are the rare trees in the Philippines?
The ERDB-EDC collaboration zeroes in on 11 rarest and most critically endangered tree species, namely, kadalis narig, malayakal, Mindanao narek, pinulog, Palawan narig, narig laot, kanining peneras, Cagayan narek, pianga, mapilig and Samar gisok.
Is Santan an endemic plant?
The Palawan Santan is a wild flower endemic to Palawan. Unlike its close relatives, the Chinese Santan (Ixora coccinea) or the Indonesian Santan (Ixora javanica), which are bright red and commonly used as ornamental shrubs, the Palawan Santan has a distinct lighter peach tint.
What is endemic species in the Philippines?
The Philippines has one of the highest rates of mammal endemism in the world, with more than 100 endemic mammal species out of 167 identified mammal species. One such species is the tamaraw, or dwarf water buffalo, which only can be found on the island of Mindoro and is also the largest endemic mammal in the country.
Is fire tree endemic to Philippines?
Fire Trees (Delonix regia) are from Madagascar. Caballeros (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) are also an introduced species. In other words, all these trees are not native to the Philippines, hence the exclusion.
Is Mahogany endemic in the Philippines?
Philippine mahogany is a common name for several different species of trees and their wood. Botanically, the name refers to Toona calantas in the mahogany family, Meliaceae. It is endemic to the Philippines. In the US timber trade, it is often applied to wood of the genus Shorea in the family Dipterocarpaceae.
Is narra tree endemic to the Philippines?
The narra is commonly found in primary, and in some areas, secondary forests at low and medium altitudes throughout the Philippines. It is endemic to tropical and temperate Asia and Malaysia and to the north and southwest Pacific zones.
What is the famous trees in the Philippines?
1| Narra Tree In case you've forgotten your gradeschool social studies, the Narra is actually the national tree of the Philippines. It can grow up to 30 meters high and its short stems can spread into luxurious branches. Its beauty lies in its dainty yellow flowers, which bloom between February and May.
What is the most common tree in the Philippines?
1. Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) Although Gmelina is not a native Philippine tree, it is the most important and widely distributed species of forest tree in the Philippines due to its economic importance and fast-growing characteristics.
How many native trees are in the Philippines?
The Philippines has 3,600 identified native trees, 67% are endemic, meaning found only in the country.
How many endemic flowers are in the Philippines?
The vibrant display of plant life in the Philippines includes more than 6,000 endemic species. Endemic flowers, meaning native to or exclusively grown in the area, bloom throughout the country, from its lush rain forests to its oceanic coastline.
Are plants endemic?
My research found that a plant is considered “endemic” if it exists naturally only in one geographic place. The place can be as small as an island or as large as a continent. The definition of a plant being considered “native” is a little less rigid.
Is Rose endemic in the Philippines?
No studies were found on Rosa philippinensis, which is endemic to the Philippines....Scientific namesCommon namesRosa cvs and hybridsRosas (Tag.)Garden rose (Engl.)Rose (Engl.)3 more rows
What are the endangered plants in the Philippines?
Endangered Plants in the PhilippinesWaling-Waling. Photo source: Wikimedia Commons. Population Classification: Critically Endangered. ... Kris Plant. Photo source: Wikimedia Commons. ... Staghorn Fern. Photo source: Wikimedia Commons. ... Arabica Coffee. Photo by Iván Monroy on Unsplash. ... Catmon. Population Classification: Vulnerable.
What is the name of the tree that grows in the Philippines?
Philippine Teak ( Tectona philippinensis) belongs to the Verbenaceae family. The species rises to a height of 15-25 meters with elliptic-ovate lanceolata with rough surfaces, pale underside and light greenish on top.The blooms are bright purple. It produces hairy drupe fruits about 13 cm long. It has a distinctive brown and flaky bark. The species is native to the provinces of Lobo, San Juan municipalities, and Batangas in Luzon Island and Occidental Mindoro, Katayungan, and Baclayon barangays on Iling Island. It prefers coastal to lowland limestone forests. It dominates the semi-deciduous forests.
Why are endemic species important to the Philippines?
Since most of the Philippines land is not under legal protection, the endemic species face similar threats as forests agriculture, urban extension, development, and illegal logging. As such the country should lay down conservative measures to protect the native flora from human exploitation.
How tall is Nepenthes attenboroughii?
It has an altitudinal range of 1450 m to 1726 m above sea level. Nepenthes attenboroughii is a terrestrial scrambling or upright plant with a height of 1.5 meters. The leaves are sub-petiolate or coriaceous and sessile. The species grow on nickel/magnesium-rich ultramafic soil and mainly in high altitudes shrublands.
What do the Philippine islands provide for?
One Eats Meat. Philippine islands provide habitats for all manner of flowers, herbs, bushes, and trees, including many endangered flora species. Quoted from WorldAtlas.com. Philippine islands provide habitats for a variety of flowering plants, herbs, bushes, and trees, including many endangered flora. The country’s archipelago offers the best ...
What are the habitats of the Philippines?
Quoted from WorldAtlas.com. Philippine islands provide habitats for a variety of flowering plants, herbs, bushes, and trees, including many endangered flora. The country’s archipelago offers the best habitats for the growth of some of the unique flora on the planet. The mountains in the Philippines provide growing conditions for terrestrial ...
Where do drupes grow?
The species is native to the provinces of Lobo, San Juan municipalities, and Batangas in Luzon Island and Occidental Mindoro, Katayungan, and Baclayon barangays on Iling Island. It prefers coastal to lowland limestone forests.
Where is Kalingag native to?
Kalingag (Cinnamomum mercadoi) Kalingag (Cinnamomum mercadoi) belongs to the Lauraceae family. The plant species is native to the Philippines growing in the forests at about 300 to 700 meters and sometimes high elevations of about 2,000 meters.
What is the hardest wood in the Philippines?
Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) 1. One of the country’s hardest woods. 2. Deep roots make it an effective windbreak. 3. Native to the Philippines. Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) 1.
What tree can withstand strong winds?
2. Native to the Philippines. Native Philippine Trees. Almaciga. Alupag. Amugis. Bagawak-morado.
1. Gmelina (Gmelina arborea)
Although Gmelina is not a native Philippine tree, it is the most important and widely distributed species of forest tree in the Philippines due to its economic importance and fast-growing characteristics. Gmelina can grow up to 15 meters on steep lands and can reach a 12-inch diameter in just five years.
2. Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
Honduran or big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), with a range from Mexico to southern Amazonia in Brazil, is the most widespread species of mahogany and the only true mahogany species commercially grown today.
3. Narra (Pterocarpus indicus)
Narra is the most important and one of the most expensive lumbers in the Philippines. It is considered a national tree and although the tree species is considered “vulnerable”, it can be found anywhere.
4. Molave (Vitex parviflora)
Molave (mulawin, himul-awon in Hiligaynon) is a very important and high-value Philippine native tree. Its lumber is mainly used in premium furniture, tool handles, and wood carvings, and heavy construction. It is one of the most expensive lumbers in the country and is very hard to find.
5. Yakal (Shorea astylosa)
Shorea astylosa is endemic to the Philippines and is known as Yakal in the Filipino language. Yakal is a medium to a large tree about 25 to 30 meters tall. Its wood is hard and dark brownish-yellow. Branchlets are rather slender, blackish, and slightly hairy. Yakal is often used as a substitute for Narra as it is cheaper than the latter.
6. Toog (Petersianthus quadrialatus)
Petersianthus quadrialatus (also called Toog and Philippine Rosewood) is an emergent tropical rainforest tree species. In the Visayas region called Kapullan, in the Samar and Leyte areas – Magtalisai. It is an indigenous tree species in the southeastern Philippines and one of the largest tree species in the Philippines islands.
7. Apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus)
Dipterocarpus grandiflorus is a critically endangered common medium hardwood tree in South-East Asia and India. Its wood is used to produce good quality charcoal, paper pulp, and timber sold under the Keruing designation. Its gum is used locally as a waterproofing varnish.
What is the hardest wood in the Philippines?from thephilippinestoday.com
Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi) 1. One of the country’s hardest woods. 2. Deep roots make it an effective windbreak. 3. Native to the Philippines. Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) 1.
Where is Banaba native to?from celineism.com
Conservation Status: N/A. Banaba is native to tropical southern Asia. Known also as the Pride of India, It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas. The leaves of the Banaba and other parts are used widely in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan for tea preparation.
How many petals does a Banaba plant have?from celineism.com
The leaves of the Banaba and other parts are used widely in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan for tea preparation. Each flower has six white to purple petals and blooms only once in a year at the peak of summer. Banaba is also one of the 69 herbal plants promoted by the Department of Health (DOH). 6.
What is Malabulak in Tagalog?from celineism.com
In Tagalog, it is also known as Buboi-gubat, and Taglinau. It closely resembles the Kapok ( Ceiba pentandrum) which is an introduced species.
What is the fruit of Katmon?from celineism.com
The fruit of Katmon, whose acid is mixed with sugar to make a traditional cure for cough, is known as elephant apple. The fruit is edible with a flavor similar to a sour green apple and is used to make sauces, jams, and flavoring for fish.
What happens if you plant exotic trees?from celineism.com
So, if you plant an exotic tree, it would have no ecological significance and would only compete with the native flora for nutrients – the former completely overpowering the latter in most cases.
What tree can withstand strong winds?from thephilippinestoday.com
2. Native to the Philippines. Native Philippine Trees. Almaciga. Alupag. Amugis. Bagawak-morado.
How many endangered trees are there in the Philippines?
Updating the records, while a gargantuan task considering the limited literature on local species in the first place, was crucial. Of the 179 critically endangered tree species in the Philippines, 94 percent are endemic to the country, and the elusive kaladis narig is one of 16 dipterocarps, a family of tropical hardwoods, listed as critically endangered on the national red list.
How much forest cover does the Philippines have?
Finding safe havens. Right now, the Philippines only has 7 percent forest cover, but there is always hope for the environment and for an endangered tree species like the kaladis narig, especially when local communities start getting more involved.
What would happen if the endangered tree species were to be saved?
If the endangered tree species were to be saved, it would require every ounce of cooperation from every stakeholder involved, especially the community named after the tree. In the beginning, the residents of Barangay Calades were aloof toward the team, according to Gibe. “They looked at us differently.
When did saving a Philippine tree go extinct?
Saving a Philippine tree last seen a century ago. In 1915, a taxonomist formally described a species of tropical hardwood tree, known locally as kaladis narig (Vatica elliptica), which was even then considered nearly extinct. More than a hundred years later, a corporate social responsibility initiative of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), ...
Why is there an ordinance in Barangay?
An ordinance has been drafted to ensure the conservation of the trees, but protecting what little is left is proving to be a challenge . Much of the land surrounding the barangay has been turned into an agricultural area, and the only thicket left is located along the river.
Where is the fabled tree in Mindanao?
The literature indicated that the tree could only be found in Naga, a municipality in the province.
Is the tropical hardwood extinct?
Tall, if not particularly handsome, the tropical hardwood species was endemic to the province and was already classified as nearly extinct. For more than a hundred years, it was thought to be well and truly gone — until now. Rediscovering it, however, was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
What are the most beautiful trees in the Philippines?
Some of the trees listed include Banaba, Mangkono, Narra, Donya Aurora, Salinggogon, Malabulak, Salimbobog, Balitbitan, Siar, and Bagawak. Here are our picks for the most gorgeous trees in the Philippines that need a little bit of your love, too.
What is the name of the Philippine tree that is like cherry blossoms?
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW. The Salingbobog is one of the Philippine trees likened to cherry blossoms. The flowers are more white than pink, but look up close and you can see that lovely pink hue in the middle. They're also called balai-lamok, among many other names.
Why is the Kalayaan tree called the Kalayaan tree?
The tree is also known as the Kalayaan tree because Emilio Aguinaldo planted one during the Malolos Convention.
What is a Banaba tree?
The Banaba tree is a favorite among landscape artists for its delicate pink-purple flowers, which have a similar vibe to cherry blossoms. Also known as the Giant Crape-Myrtle or Queen's Crape-Myrtle, these trees have several uses.
What are some trees that look like Sakura?
Popular Philippine trees that look most like the sakura are the Palawan cherry blossoms. There's even a park in Puerto Princesa dedicated to their stunning blush flowers. Though these Philippine trees are commonly mistaken as the Balayong (another cherry-blossom lookalike), they're actually a species of tabebuia and likewise bloom around April, ...
When does the Narra tree bloom?
It can grow up to 30 meters high and its short stems can spread into luxurious branches. Its beauty lies in its dainty yellow flowers, which bloom between February and May.
Where is the Malabulak native to?
It's often mistaken as the fire tree, but its flowers are much more compact. More importantly, the Malabulak is a proud native of the Philippines.
Where are Philippine spotted deer found?from jlee.properties
Known also as “Philippine spotted deer” or “Prince Alfred’s deer”, the Visayan spotted deer is a nocturnal and endangered species of deer located primarily in the rainforests of the Visayan islands of Panay and Negros though it once roamed other islands such as Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte, Masbate, and Samar.
Where are the Palawan fruit bats found?from jlee.properties
Palawan fruit bat ( Acerodon leucotis ) Also known as the Palawan flying fox, the Palawan fruit bat is a species of megabat found in forests of Palawan,Balabac and Busuanga in the Philippines. It is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and is declining due to hunting and habitat loss. 6. Palawan bearcat.
What is the smallest primate in the world?from jlee.properties
Philippine Tarsier ( Carlito syrichta ) The tarsier is considered as the world’s smallest primate. They are very shy, and spend the entire day holed up in trees and bushes out of sight, before waking up at night to find food. They are insectivores.
What is the life expectancy of a Philippine eagle?from jlee.properties
They have much clearer eyesight compared to humans, and have the capacity to see eight times the distance that the human eye can see. Their life expectancy ranges from 30 to 60 years.
Is Visayan spotted deer endangered?from jlee.properties
They are a small, short-legged deer with a crouched build, with the male having short horns, larger than the female. The Visayan spotted deer is highly endangered and critically decreasing in population due to deforestation and hunting. © AtlasMedia Ltd. 5.
Is a Palawan bearcat a cat?from jlee.properties
Palawan bearcat. Locally known as binturog, the Palawan bearcat is neither a bear or a cat. Though sometimes compared to a bear, it is considerably smaller, being no larger than a small dog. Its body is covered with coarse and thick black fur. The binturong is nocturnal and sleeps on branches.
Bani
- Scientific Name: Milletia pinnata; syn. Pongamia pinnata Conservation Status: Least Concern Named after a town in Pangasinan, the magnificent Bani is a legume tree that grows to about 15-25 meters in height. Its large canopy of branches and leaves spread wide, which makes it the perfect addition to verdant gardens. This bright green-colored tree may be found in southern an…
Malabulak
- Scientific Name: Bombax Ceiba Conservation Status: Not vulnerable Often mistaken for the Fire Tree (Delonix regia), which is native to Madagascar, or the Caballero (Caesalpinia Pulcerrima), which is introduced from Tropical America, the Malabulak tree is known primarily for its vibrant red waxy flowers. In the native language, the Malabulak tree is also known as Taglinau and Buboi-g…
Banaba
- Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia speciosa Conservation Status: Not vulnerable Native to areas in tropical southern Asia, the Banaba tree is also known as the Pride of India. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical areas owing to its lavender blooms. Its leaves and other parts, however, are widely used in Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines in tea preparati…
Katmon
- Scientific Name: Dillenia philippinensis Conservation Status: Vulnerable Found exclusively in the Philippines, Katmon is common in forests of low and medium altitudes throughout the islands in primary and secondary forests. This medium-sized evergreen tree grows as high as 10-15 meters and is a favorite among Filipino garden enthusiasts. Also, this...
Ilang-Ilang
- Scientific Name: Cananga odorata Conservation Status: N/A Originating from areas in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the Ilang-ilang tree is by no means an uncommon tree in the country. This medium-sized native tree can reach a height of up to forty meters tall and is known for its distinct fragrant smell. When grown for perfume extraction, however, the Ilang-ilang tree i…
Molave
- Scientific Name: Vitex parviflora Conservation Status: Vulnerable The Philippines is peppered with Molave forests. These native trees commonly grow in both secondary and open primary forests at low altitudes. While it is common to the country, Molave is also native to Malaysia and Indonesia. Known to be one of the trees that produce the hardest wood, Molave can grow up to thirty meter…
Dap-Dap
- Scientific Name: Erythrina Orientalis Conservation Status: Least Concern A thorny and deciduous (shedding) tree, the Dap-dap tree grows up to twenty-seven meters tall. It is commonly found along seashores and frequently planted and grown inland. This native tree’s flowers are quite big and numerous with bright red petals. The flowers are typically extracted and used in traditional …
Narra
- Scientific Name: Pterocarpus indicus Conservation Status: Vulnerable Known as the national tree of the country, the Narra tree is a native tree found in primary and secondary forests at low and medium altitudes throughout the country. Highly sought-after for its purplish rose-scented hardwood, Narra’s wood is often used in the furniture-making industry primarily because it is gen…