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9 PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES BETTER THAN CHERRY BLOSSOMS

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2016

cherry blossoms benguet

We Travel, We Care is a series of essays discussing and exploring issues related to travel and tourism.

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Lately, I'm finding myself more and more interested in trees. And no, that wasn't a metaphor. I literally
am interested in trees – in love, even. When I'm walking 'round town or whenever I ride my bicycle, I'd
stop just so I could inspect trees, especially if they're flowering. I have this desire to accurately recognize
trees on sight, so much so that I've decided I'd take up Forestry as soon as I have money to spare. But
for now, I'd have to make do with what I read on the Internet and in The Shrub Identification Book I'd
scored from a book sale. (If you have any tree-related book you're no longer using, can I have it?)

At any rate, while many in the travel community rejoiced at the news of a soon-to-be cherry blossoms
park in Benguet, my reaction was, "Whaaaat the heck?" and a face-palm. Now I'm no expert and I'm not
claiming that I am (just in case the first phrase wasn't clear enough), but from what I know about trees
and biodiversity, introducing exotic flora is almost always (not always, but almost) bad for the
environment. See, planting trees isn't enough. The "endemicity" of the tree species must also be
considered. This means that whatever is planted should be native to the area, it should already be
growing there. You ask, why is this important?

Everything is connected. Every action, even the tiniest ones, reverberates across and affects everything.
Flora depend on fauna and vice versa. 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. Haplessly introducing a species to an area could make it a dead
zone. As my Biology-major friend noted, "The intention [behind the cherry blossoms park] is good, but in
an ecological perspective, just no."

Read Also: You Call Yourself a Traveler? Then Don't Litter!

So, to stay true to my advocacy of raising awareness, and promoting responsible travel and love for the
environment, let me present to you this list of some of the many trees that are so much better than
cherry blossoms. They are better for the sole reason that they are native to the Philippines; they are our
own. They are vital to maintaining ecological balance, and make up our natural heritage. Remember:
"support local" does not only apply to local products and domestic travel.

CELINE'S NOTE: Golden Shower (Cassia fistula) is an introduced species and is not native to the country.
Acacia (Samanea saman) was introduced in about 1860 from tropical America. The Palawan Cherry or
Balayong (Cassia nodosa) is also prehistorically introduced. 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.

9 Philippine Native Trees Better Than Cherry Blossoms

1. KATMON (Dillenia philippinensis)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Dillenia philippinensis

via tropical.theferns.info

Katmon is found only in the Philippines, being common in forests of low and medium altitude
throughout the islands in primary and secondary forests. It can also be used for urban greening and is a
favorite among garden enthusiasts.

Dillenia philippinensis

via seventeeneightyfour.blogspot.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. Katmon's flowers are large, white, and are about 15 centimeters in diameter
with reddish pistils and stamens. This evergreen tree can grow as high as 15 meters and its wood is
suitable for furniture. When quartered, the wood has a beautiful silver grain similar to a quartered oak,
whose features are suitable for furniture and cabinet making.

2. MOLAVE (Vitex parviflora)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Vitex parviflora

via tropical.theferns.info

"Molave forests" can be found all throughout the Philippines. It is common in both secondary and open
primary forests at low altitude. Aside from the Philippines, Molave is also native to Indonesia and
Malaysia.

molave

via Fredd Ochavo

Molave can grow up to 30 meters and its wood is one of the hardest. It is used in railroad ties, ship-
building, and high-grade construction where strength and durability is necessary. The flowers are
purplish, numerous, in clusters at the end of small branches. Its leaves, resistant to fungal, termite, and
lyctus beetle attack, are used as fodder. Molave is also often used in reforestation projects in the
country.

3. BANI (Milletia pinnata; syn. Pongamia pinnata)

Conservation Status: Least Concern

A town in Pangasinan is named after the magnificent Bani. While it is native in southern and eastern
Asia, and Australia, Bani is also cultivated in Africa and the USA.

Milletia pinnata

via greenerpro.com
A legume tree, Bani grows to about 15–25 meters in height with a large canopy spreading wide. It may
be deciduous (sheds it leaves) for short periods. It is often used as a windbreak or for shade due to the
large canopy and showy fragrant flowers. Bani's flowers are small clusters of white, purple and pink. The
flowers are used by gardeners as compost for plants requiring rich nutrients. The wood is said to be
beautifully grained but splits easily when cut thus relegating it to firewood, posts, and tool handles. For
thousands of years, its oil, known as pongamia oil, has been used as lamp oil, in soap making, and as a
lubricant.

Milletia pinnata

via wikipedia.com

Read Also: Are You Too Shy to Haggle? You're Not Alone!

4. ILANG-ILANG (Cananga odorata)

Conservation Status: N/A

Cananga odorata

via macysystem.com

Ilang-ilang originates in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is a medium-sized tree reaching a
height of up to 40 meters tall. When grown for perfume extraction, it is grown not more than three
meters tall for easy collection of the flowers.

ylang-ylang

via pinterest.com

The flower is drooping, long-stalked, with six narrow, greenish-yellow (rarely pink) petals, and produces
a highly fragrant oil. It is often strung with sampaguita to make leis offered in religious ceremonies. The
famous Chanel No. 5 uses extracts of the Ilang-ilang flowers.

5. BANABA (Lagerstroemia speciosa)

Conservation Status: N/A

banaba

via Fredd Ochavo

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.

Lagerstroemia speciosa

via Fredd Ochavo

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. MALABULAK (Bombax ceiba)

Conservation Status: N/A

bombax ceiba

via treesplanet.blogspot.com

Malabulak is often mistaken as the Fire Tree (Delonix regia) – originally from Madagascar – or the
Caballero (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) – introduced from tropical America – because of its similarly vibrant
red flowers. In Tagalog, it is also known as Buboi-gubat, and Taglinau. It closely resembles the Kapok
(Ceiba pentandrum) which is an introduced species.

malabulak

via szuchiwang.com and wikipedia.com

malabulak

thelovelyplants.com

Malabulak grows up to 25 meters. It sheds it leaves then gets covered in beautiful red flowers that
attract lots of insects and birds. Malabulak usually blooms in February.

Read Also: The Flavors of Bani

7. DAP-DAP (Erythrina orientalis)

Conservation Status: Least Concern

cherry blossoms philippines

via whangareiflora.weebly.com

Dap-dap is a thorny deciduous tree growing to 27 meters tall. In the Philippines, it is commonly found
along seashores and is frequently planted inland.

dapdap philippines

via flickr.com

Dap-dap's flowers are large and numerous with bright red petals. It is used in traditional medicine across
its native area including the Philippines, China and India to treat a range of aliments including joint pain
and parasitic infections.

8. SALINGBOBOG (Crateva religiosa)

Conservation Status: N/A

salingbobog

via Fredd Ochavo

Salingbobog, also known as Balai-lamok, is a moderate-sized deciduous tree growing to a height of 15

meters. It may be the closest thing we have to a cherry blossom.

cherry blossom filipino version

via icwow.blogspot.com

The fruit of the tree is edible and high in vitamin C. Salingbobog's leaves are traditionally used to treat
irregular menstruation. Its flowers are greenish-yellow which turns purplish later. The flowers are filled
with nectar, making it attractive to many insects and birds.

9. NARRA (Pterocarpus indicus)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

narra

via alltheplants4.blogspot.com
The Philippines' national tree, Narra is found in primary and secondary forests at low and medium
altitudes throughout the country.

narra flowers

via Fredd Ochavo

Narra's purplish rose-scented hardwood is much sought-after in the furniture-making industry primarily
because it is generally termite-resistant. Its slightly fragrant yellow or yellow-orange flowers bloom from
February to May and are a source of honey.

Did you know our national tree has such beautiful flowers?

ENVIRONMENT

Native Plants Of The Philippines

Philippine islands provide habitats for all manner of flowers, herbs, bushes, and trees, including many
endangered flora species.

Native Plants Of The Philippines

Nepenthes copelandii, lower pitcher plant.

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
Highlanders like the Nepenthes attenboroughii. Cinnamomum mercadoi grows best in the Philippines
forest with mild and stable temperatures. The country also supports the growth of many endemic plant
species like Tectona philippinensis.

Native Plants Of The Philippines

Philippine Teak (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. 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. The species is
critically endangered, and presently small populations remain in patches in the Molave Forest in Lobo.
The conversion of Tectona philippinensis habits into farmlands, logging of young trees and urban
exploitation continue to threaten its survival. None of the areas where the Philippine teak grows is
under any form of legal protection. However, there are attempts from the Fauna and Flora International
to fund a recovery program for the species led by Philippine National Museum in Manila.

Attenborough's Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii)

Attenborough's Pitcher Plant is a carnivorous pitcher plant native to the Victoria massif of Palawan. 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. The Attenborough's Pitcher Plant is dioecious with a slight male bias.Plant poaching is thus a
detrimental against this species since the reproduction to take place both sexes must be present. The
World Conservation Union (IUCN) classifies the plant as Critically Endangered for its restricted
distribution and plant poaching. There is no conservative measure for the pitcher plant, and the plant
growth areas are not listed as protected areas. Mining occurs at the base of Mount Victoria. However,
there is some form of protecting derived from the Conservation on International Trade in Endangered
Species which protects all plants in the genus Nepenthes.

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. The species grows best in subtropical and medium temperate forest conditions with high
humidity and stable mild temperatures. The fruit-specialized hornbill disperses the seed distributing the
species across the island. The leaves are simple, sub-opposite or opposite, with a pale green
background.It has smooth and rarely exerted petals. Corky pustules cover the bark giving it a slightly
rough appearance. The flowers are greenish-yellowish. The fruits are smooth and shiny with elliptic-
shaped soft seeds.The consecutive loss of forests in the Philippines and overharvesting of the Cinnamon
plants makes it a vulnerable species according to the IUCN.

Copeland's Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes copelandii)

Copeland's Pitcher Plant is plant species native to Mindanao in the Philippines. It also grows in Mount
Apo, Davao City, Mount Pasian, and Camiguin. Its attitude ranges from 1100–2400 m above sea level
and has no known plant hybrids and varieties. The species produces copious long, elegant, and vividly
colored pitchers. It has winged petioles, lids with upper peaches broadest at the base, and the lower
side has basal ridges that often elaborate into appendages. The species altitude range is 1100–2400 m
above sea level. In Mount Apo, the Copeland's Pitcher Plant has been cultivated since the early 1980s.
As such IUCN does not classify the pitches plant as endangered and no conservation is needed.

Conclusion

These plant species have a lot of economic importance and also ecological. The species grow and bloom
in the same biotype as the forests adapting to the environmental conditions of the area. 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.

Native Plants Of The Philippines

Native Plants of the Philippines Scientific Binomial Name

Copeland's Pitcher Plant Nepenthes copelandii

Kalingag

Cinnamomum mercadoi

Ipot Palm

Areca ipot
Attenborough's Pitcher Plant

Nepenthes attenboroughii

Philippine Tung

Reutealis trisperma

Round-Leaf Fountain Palm

Saribus rotundifolius

Philippine teak

Tectona philippinensis

Cebu Cinnamon Tree

Cinnamomum cebuense

Balakat

Ziziphus talanai

Kris Plant

Alocasia sanderiana

Why native trees?

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Published February 7, 2018, 10:00 PM

By Flor G. Tarriela

At a recent typhoon that hit Metro Manila on the way to Tagaytay, I noticed many fallen trees, Acacia
and Tulip trees. Later I found out these fallen trees were actually “alien” trees and not native to the
Philippines.

But wonder of wonders in typhoon Ondoy, a Dita tree stood tall and saved 36 lives in Quezon City! The
Dita tree, like most native trees is a survivor tree. I’m happy that a few years back, FINEX together with
MNTC Rod Franco had the project of greening NLEX with Dita trees, now fully grown.

What’s with native trees? Native trees adapt naturally to its local surrounding such as the micro-
organism in soil, thus more resilient, that they don’t topple easily. Just like us locals, we don’t get upset
stomach immediately from drinking local water or eating local food as foreigners do.

Mr. Oscar Lopez, Chairman Emeritus of Lopez Holdings, says that sometime back, the Philippines had
94% cover with forests. In 1945 it was still 66% or 2/3 covered. Where are we today? So sad, the loss of
forest cover is so fast that it is less than 7% with only 3% in unspoiled condition.

The Philippines is so blessed; despite our terrain of less than 1% of the world’s land area, we have more
than 5% of the world’s flora. “Per hectare, our country probably harbors more species than any other
place on earth” says Dr. Angelina Galang of Green Convergence. The Philippines has 3,600 identified
native trees, 67% are endemic, meaning found only in the country. However even this biodiversity is
being lost at an alarming rate.

Imee Sarmiento of Hortica Filipino Foundation was the guest speaker on Philippine Native Trees at the
MAP Agribusiness forum chaired by Ramon Ilusorio, Chairman Emeritus of Multinational Investment.
She spoke passionately about our native trees, how beautiful and majestic are the flowering (Bagawak
Morado, Butat, Ilang-Ilang, Banaba, Balai Lamok, etc.) and fruiting (Katmon, Pili, Bignay, etc.) trees. Oh!
how I love to have them in my garden.
She also talked about the wood trees. We don’t really have Philippine Mahogany. Instead, Imee said
that Bagtikan, Lauan, Tangile, Guyo, Yakal, Apitong are what is known as Philippine Mahogany. She says
that Mahogany which is alien to the Philippines, may be good for commercial purposes (grow and cut)
but to make it a permanent forest, forget it! No insects will thrive such as what happened to the Bohol
Mahogany man made forest. The tarsiers didn’t know what hit them. So where have all these trees
gone? They are disappearing fast due to over-harvesting, deforestation, replacement by alien species
and even carted away to foreign countries.

Mameng Florento, a plant lover and collector bought a beautiful flowering plant during her Europe
travel. Not cheap, only to find out what she bought is our very own native Medinilla Magnifica or Kapa
Kapa.

What’s also ironic is that Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, former Secretary of Health told me that there are about
25 species of cinnamon of which 20 are native to the Philippines. A little bit of trivia, in Pigafetta’s
journal (Magellan’s chronicler), the galleon full of spices, including cinnamon, were sufficient to pay all
of Magellan’s debt of 7 galleon ships. Sri Lanka has only one species and guess who is known for
Cinnamon? Have you heard or seen of Cinnamon native to the Philippines? Now I want to collect these
cinnamons.

Out of the 3,600 native trees, only about 200 native trees have been documented in Imee’s “work of
love,” the PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES 101 and 202. Volume #3 is coming soon. Even with volume 3, this
represents research on only 10% of the Philippines native trees. Still, there’s much to do.

An excellent project is the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest to plant 15 Million trees over six years or 2.5
million seedlings per year primarily to protect our forest and address the problem of global warming.
Once mature, the 15 million trees that include a variety of timber like Narra, Batino, Manalis, Ipil, etc.
and fruit trees like Lipote, Marang, etc., shall provide multiple benefits both ecological and socio-
economic such as carbon sink, raw material supply, wildlife habitat, improved water quality and
quantity, improved ecosystems services and livelihood among others. This can be achieved by planting
various species of forest and fruit trees. It is a sustainable reforestation. A legacy for future
generations.

Federico “Pike” Lopez, Chairman and CEO of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) sent me a book on
“BINHI: Tree for the Future”. Binhi connotes potential and growth. EDC in collaboration with the
country’s top botanists have rescued and secured 96 of the most threatened and premium tree species
(Yakal, Tindalo, Molave, Alupag, etc.) from extinction. What a legacy! Through the Binhi project, it is
hoped that more of us will know and appreciate the ecological, economic and cultural value of
Philippine native trees to our country.

To see some of these indigenous trees, Ambassador Delia Albert reminded me to visit the Washington
Sycip Garden of indigenous trees at the University of the Philippines donated by Zuellig Co. during the
UP centennial.

I’m definitely sold to the idea and importance of native trees. My husband Ed and I were guests of
renowned eco lodge expert Hitesh Mehta in Florida who introduced us to famous landscapist and book
author Raymond Jungles. My surprise is that even across the seas, Raymond advocates and only uses
native plants and trees in his landscaping projects. Yes! Native plants and trees are best in its original
natural environment. Love your own.

As Imee said “God gave us trees for different locations and environments. Let us honor and respect
God’s design for it has wisdom and purpose.”

Let us plant now and let us plant native trees! They are not only beautiful and majestic, they are useful,
adapted to our surroundings and survivors!

••••

Ms. Tarriela is Chairman of Philippine National Bank. She was formerly Undersecretary of Finance and
the First Filipina Vice President of Citibank N.A. She is a natural farmer and an environmentalist.

ftarriela@yahoo.com

Tags: alien species, Business Option, Energy Development Corporation, forest cover, Hortica Filipino
Foundation, Imee Sarmiento, Jaime Galvez Tan, native trees, Oscar Lopez, Philippine Mahogany,
Philippine Native Trees, Raymond Jungles, Tulip trees, Why native trees?
Loving native Philippine trees

By Domini M. Torrevillas (The Philippine Star) - May 10, 2018 - 12:00am

The third Philippine Native Trees book was launched recently. It was a joyous event for botanists and
just plain tree and plant lovers, who hold the book and its two predecessors close to their hearts.

Because all three are thick (nearly 400 pages each) fascinating picture and story books of native trees
defined as endemic to the Philippines, meaning belonging to this country. Like aligau, banuyo, dao, galo,
lipa, magabuyo, anilao, balete, agoho, balat-buwaya, uyok, igot and pili.

Angelina Galang, Ph.D., president of Green Convergence for Safe Food, and Healthy Environment and
Sustainable Economy, wrote that the Philippines is “universally viewed as a country that has an
unmatchable variety of flora and fauna… Per hectare our country probably harbors more species than
any other place on Earth. The Philippines boasts of 3,600 identified native trees. Of these, 67 percent are
endemic, found only in our archipelago.”

Imelda Sarmiento of Historica Filipina Foundation Inc., originator of the “crazy” (her term) idea of
putting together the documents, said the reason for the lack of public awareness of endemic trees is
their being over-harvested and carted away to other countries. “We are also seeing now the devastating
effects of having replaced our native trees with alien species perceived to be fast growing.

The challenge now, writes Imelda, is to “reintroduce our own species to our people and make them
secrets no longer. How? By planting them where we live and making everyone exercise ownership and
stewardship over them. After all, our people, especially the younger generations, have the right to see
and be proud of these majestic examples.”
“To pursue this advocacy, education is the key. We have been invaded by alien trees for most of our
lifetime without us knowing any better. It surprises me no end that when asked for names of our native
trees, most will stop at narra.”

The first two books were published by Green Convergence and Hortica Filipina, and the third, by Green
Convergence. The first two books were printed courtesy of Dr. Oscar Lopez, and the third, by Forest
Foundation Philippines.

The third book is dedicated to Dr. Oscar Lopez who, along with his wife , admittedly has given support
toward the first two books’ publication as well as other endeavors. The Lopez Group of Companies’
corporate social responsibility led to the founding of Energy Development Corp. (EDC) which has sworn
never to go into coal as an energy source, but put the environment as its core priority, focusing on
renewable energy and going big into geothermal, wind, hydro and solar energy. EDC’s BINHI project is
devoted to the planting of millions of trees in thousands of hectares, including saving rare and
endangered species of the Philippines from extinction.

Mr. Lopez has written that some people may think of BINHI’s idea of reforestation as an ordinary tree-
planting activity. “What makes BINHI special is its focus on the rare and highly valued Philippine tree
species that can also provide ecosystem benefits such as landslide protection, water storage, supply of
oxygen, absorption of carbon dioxide and supply of wood and organic substances for medicine and
food… Here in the Philippines, this is our contribution to the collective effort on re-greening the planet.
The BINHI initiative is one of the Lopez Family’s commitments to the Clinton Global Initiative in 2008.
Many of the trees that you will read about in (the books) can be found in EDC’s geothermal watershed
areas and in its nurseries.”

It has taken three years between each publication (2012, 2015, 2018), and a stable of botanists,
environmentalists, writers and photographs, to research and record the existence of so far, 366 of 3,600
known endemic Philippine trees. One looks forward to future editions. Book 3 editors must be
mentioned: Edwino Fernando, Marietta Marciano, Angelina Galang, Gloria Angara, Leonor Berroya and
Imelda Sarmiento.
Book 303, Dr. Edwino Fernando said at its launch, is “a very pretty book. But more than being a pretty
book, it is also a product of real hard work ... I agreed to be part of it in the hope of ‘reducing errors’ and
‘increasing taxonomic authentication’ . . . and thus helping ‘make taxonomic information useful for
biodiversity conservation.”

Dr. Fernando, whose expertise as a botanist Imelda considers crucial in the movement to make people
aware of rare, endemic Philippine trees, said that the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to which
the Philippines is a party, has put forward that incomplete knowledge of species (of trees and all other
organisms) and the general lack of taxonomists – are a ‘taxonomic impediment’ to its implementation.
This impediment is most acute in tropical, developing countries, which contain most of the world’s
diversity, yet produce far fewer taxonomists than developed countries.”

One other person mentioned with great admiration by Mr. Lopez and the books’ creative authors, is
Leonard L. Co, a great botanist and taxonomist, one who could identify and give the name of any plant.
He founded the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, and the Hortica Filipina Foundation. His
expertise was highly regarded; the National Science Development Board (NDSDB), predecessor of the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), would send for him and fly him in a helicopter to
identify different plants.

***

My balae, Engr. Hernando Dimaliuat Caluag, passed away quietly on May 2, in his home in Pasig. He was
84 years old.

Nanding, as he was popularly called, left behind his beloved wife, Consuelo “Connie” de Guzman. He
was the father of Joabi, who is married to my son Andres Suarez. Also attending to their dad during his
long illness were children Paul and his wife Lyn, Chiqui and husband Danny Engo, George, Mark and
wife Ella, and Oliver and wife Karen.

Nanding was a jolly person, and enjoyed playing around with his grandchildren Paola, Daniel, Trina,
David, Teen, Josh, Jacob, Arya, Santi, Ellis and Via.
He was a licensed civil engineer, real estate appraiser and estate broker. He was founder and president
of several appraisers organizations. He had more than 40 years experience in appraisal of tangible and
intangible properties in the Philippines and the US, Guam, Palau, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong
Kong and Thailand.

Philippine Native Forest Trees

SAVE THE PHILIPINE TREES FOR OUR PEOPLE AND FOR OUR COUNTRY

Monday, September 28, 2009

LIST OF EXOTIC TREES ...... ALIENS IN OUR OWN COUNTRY.

According to the book authored by Justo P. Rojo, "Revised LEXICON OF PHILIPPINE TREES", the following
trees are "Introduced Species", which means that these trees were brought to our country the
Philippines.

In my opinion, these trees whether naturalized or localized in our country are still invasive species.
Because of this, our own native endemic and indigenous trees and plants are being displaced. Likewise,
if a fast growing species such as Gmelina/Melina (Gmelina Arborea) or the known Mahogany (Swietenia
Mahogani) are planted in a certain area, the slower native trees such as the Kamagong (Diospyros
Discolor) will not be able to compete. Eventually, the much slower growing tree will die, which may later
lead to species extinction.

Local name (Scientific name)

*the yellow highlight means that I have encountered these trees myself in-situ (on site) or have read
about it from books.

Acacia Abuhin (Acacia holosericea)

Achuete (Bixa orellana)

Adelfa (Nerium oleander)

African Tulip (Spathodea campanulata)

Alcaparras (Capparis spinosa)

Alibangbang (Bauhinia malabarica)

Amapola (Hibiscus mutabilis)

Amherstia (Amherstia nobilis)

Anang-Baluga (Diospyros malayana)

Antsoan-Dilau (Senna spectabilis)

Aroma (Acacia farnesiana)

Asiatic Sau/Silktree (Albizia julibrissin)

Atemoya (Annona atemoya)

Ates (Annona squamosa)

Australian Anahau (Livistona australis)

Avocado (Persea americana)

Balatbat-Bilog (Licuala grandis)

Balimbing (Averrhoa carambola)

Bambu Hitam (Gigantochloa atroviolacea)

Bayabas (Psidium guajava)

Bayabas-Kitid (Psidium cujavillus)

Big-Leafed Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)

Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii)

Bo Tree (Ficus religiosa)

Brandis Bamboo (Dendrocalamus brandisii)

Brazilian Firetree (Schizolobium parahybum)

Breadfruit - see rimas

Brownea (Brownea grandiceps)

Brown Salwood (Acacia aulacocarpa)

Buddha Bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides)

Burma Kanomoi (Diospyros ehretioides)

Burmann Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanni)

Butong (Dendrocalamus asper)

Caballero (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

Calabash (Crescentia cujete)

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

Canalete (Cordia gerascanthus)

Cana-Fistula (Cassia fistula)

Champaca (Michelia champaca)

Cherimoya (Annona cherimolia)

Chico/Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota)

Chinese Anahau (Livistona chinensis)

Chinese Bamboo (Bambusa dolichoclada)

Chinese Rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis)

Chittagong Balok (Milletia atropurpurea)

Consuelda (Euphorbia tirucalli)

Cutchtree (Acacia catechu)

Dapdap-Palong (Erythrina crista-galli)

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)

Divi-Divi (Caesalpinia coriaria)

Dudoang-Bulate (Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus)

Earpod (Enterolobium cyclocarpum)

Earpod Wattle/Auri (Acacia auriculiformis)

Fiddled Fig (Ficus pandurata)

Fireball (Calliandra haematocephala)

Firetree (Delonix regia)

Fishrod Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

Floranjilla (Solanum wrightii)

Fringon (Bauhinia monandra)

Fringon-Morado (Bauhinia purpurea)

Gamboge-Tree (Garcinia morella)

Gatasan-Layugan (Garcinia polyantha)

Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus)

Giant Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena pulverulenta)

Granada (Punica granatum)

Graygum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)

Greenwattle (Acacia decurrens)

Guama (Inga laurina)

Gumamela (Hibiscus rosasinensis)

Gumamela De Arana (Hibiscus schizopetalus)

Guyabano (Annona muricata)

Handapara (Dillenia indica)

Hogplum (Spondias mombin)

Hojacruz (Crescentia alata)

Holarrhena (Hoarrhena antidysenterica)

Honshu-Chiku (Bambusa multiplex)

Huampit (Clausena lansium)

Hybrid-Quinine (Cinchona hybrida)

India Bamboo (Bambusa bambos)

India Lanutan (Polyalthia longifolia)

India Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)

India Rubber (Ficus elastica)

Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena leucocephala)

Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

Jackfruit - see nangka

Japanese Alder (Alnus maritima)

Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril)

Java Almon (Canarium Indicum)

Java Tanglin (Adenanthera microsperma)

Kabiki (Mimusops elengi)

Kahel (Citrus aurantium)

Kalachuche (Plumeria acuminata)

Kalachucheng-Pula (Plumeria rubra)

Kalachucheng-Puti (Plumeria alba)

Kalamunding (Citrus Microcarpa)

Kamachile (Pithecellobium dulce)

Kamansi - see rimas

Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi)

Kanela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Kapok (Ceiba pentandra)

Kasui/Cashew (Anacardium occidentale)

Katurai (Sesbania grandiflora)

Kauayan-Kiling (Bambusa vulgaris)

Kauayan-Tinik (Bambusa blumeana)

Kauayan-Tsina (Bambusa multiplex)

Kayali (Gigantochloa atter)

Kayam (Inocarpus fagifer)

Kuhl Abiki (Pinanga kuhlii)

Kusibeng (Sapindus saponarea)

Langil (Albizia lebbek)

Lemon-Scented Gum (Eucalyptus maculata)

Limon-Cito (Triphasia trifolia)

Logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum)

Loleba (Bambusa atra)

Loudon Banaba (Lagerstroemia loudoni)

Lukban (Citrus grandis)

Lumbang (Aleurites moluccana)

Machiku (Dendrocalamus latiflorus)

Madagascar Pandan (Pandanus utilis)

Madagascar Plum (Flacourtia jangomas)

Madake (Phyllostachys bambusoides)

Madre-Cacao (Gliricida sepium)

Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani)

Makopa (Syzygium samarangense)

Malabar Narra (Pterocarpus marsupium)

Malakaturai (Senna multijuga)

Malapascuas (Euphorbia cotinifolia)

Malarayap-Intsik (Atalantia citrioides)

Malatanglin (Adenanthera pavonina)

Malayan-Abiki (Pinanga malaiana)

Malayan Myrtle (Lagerstroemia floribunda)

Maluko (Pisonia grandis)

Mamon (Annona glabra)

Mangium (Acacia mangium)

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)

Manzanitas (Ziziphus mauritiana)

Marcgrav Sweetsop (Annona marcgravii)

Melina (Gmelina arborea)

Melindres (Lagerstroemia indica)

Mexican Gumtree (Cochlospermum regium)

Mezquite (Prosopis juliflora)

Moluccan Sau (Paraserianthes falcataria)

Money Jak (Artocarpus rigidus)

Mottled-Leaf Dapdap (Erythrina variegata)

Mulberry (Morus macroura)

Nam-Nam (Cynometra cauliflora)

Nangka/Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

Naranjita (Citrus nobilis)

Narrow-Leafed Saraca (Saraca taipengensis)

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Niog (Cocos nucifera)

Oldham Bamboo (Bambusa oldhamii)

Oliva (Cycas revoluta)

Palo-Santo (Triplaris cumingiana)

Panama Rubber (Castilla elastica)

Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera)

Papuang-Gilai (Polycias ornata)

Papuang-Laparan (Polycias guilfoylei)

Para Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)

Pascuas (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Perpon-Pula (Acalypha wilkesiana)

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Peruvian-Bell (Thevetia peruviana)

Peruvian Parasol (Cavanillesia hylogeiton)

Pigeon-Berry (Duranta erecta)

Pinkball (Calliandra portoricensis)

Pinkshower (Cassia javanica)

Pointed Star-Apple (Chrysophyllum oliviforme)

Polynesian Ivory-Palm (Coelococcus amicarum)

Portugese Cypress (Cupressus lusitanica)

Pukinggang-Kahoi (Clitoria racemosa)

Purple-Red Fireball (Calliandra calothyrsus)

Quassia (Quassia amara)

Quinine (Cinchona calisaya)

Raintree/Acacia (Samanea saman)

Red-Bark Quinine (Cinchona succirubra)

Rimas/Kamansi/Breadfruit (Artocarpus communis)

River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)

Sampaloc (Tamarindus indica)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

San Francisco (Codiaeum variegatum)

Saraca (Saraca declinata)

Sawai (Manilkara kauki)

Sibukau (Caesalpinia sappan)

Sineguelas (Spondias purpurea)

Solid Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus)

Southern Mahogany (Eucalyptus botryoides)

Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)

Spineless India Bamboo (Bambusa tulda)

Spiny American Bamboo (Guadua angustifolia)

Spotted Iron Gum (Eucalyptus maculata)

Star-Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito)

Stemmed Durian (Durio testudinarum)

Strychnine-Tree (Strychnos nux-vomica)

Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora)

Swamp-Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)

Taiwan Bamboo (Bambusa dolichomerithalla)

Taiwan Useful Bamboo (Bambusa utilis)

Talipot Palm (Corypha umbraculifera)

Tambis (Syzygium aqueum)

Tampui (Syzygium jambos)

Tangalo (Actinorhytis calapparia)

Tasmanian Bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus)

Teak (Tectona grandis)

Thailand Bamboo (Thyrsostachys siamensis)

Thailand Gamboge-Tree (Garcinia hanburyi)

Thailand Shower (Senna siamea)

Tiger/Spotted Bamboo (Bambusa maculata)

Toyokan (Cleidion megistrophyllum)

Traveler's/Traveller's Tree (Ravenala madagascariensis)

True Star-Anise (Illicium verum)

Trumpet Tree (Cecropia peltata)

Tsa (Camellia sinensis)

Tsampakang-Puti (Michelia x alba)

Tsempedak (Artocarpus interger)

Tsiampaka (Elmerillia tsiampacca)

Tuba (Croton tiglium)

Viapple (Spondias cytherea)

Waya (Dendrocalamus membranaceus)

Yambu (Syzygium malaccense)

Yellow-Bark Quinine (Cinchona ledgeriana)

Yellow-Brunsfelsia (Brunsfelsia americana)

Yellow-Elder (Tecoma stans)

Yellow Shower (Senna fruticosa)

Zapote (Diospyros digyna)

Zigzag-Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo)

If you are familiar with most of the names of trees found in this list especially fruit bearing trees, it just
proves that we Filipinos have introduced a lot of foreign trees and plants to our country.

I know that there are a lot of new plants and trees that are not included in this list, however, this list is
substancial in determining tree species which are NOT ORIGINALLY FROM OUR COUNTRY, which is my
main objective.

My advise to all, if we want to restore the natural beauty and original flora of the Philippines, PLEASE
STOP PLANTING TREES AND PLANTS THAT ARE NOT FROM THE PHILIPPINES.

10 native tree species up for an upgrade

Philippine Daily Inquirer - 11 months ago

Tall and adorned with bright yellow flowers, the bagoadlau is the hardest and densest of all Philippine
ironwood trees. Energy Development Corp.’s BINHI project has helped increase the number of native
trees with its focus on rescue, preservation and propagation.
Tall with beautiful and bold yellow flowers, the Bagoadlau (Xanthostemon philippinensis) is a sight to
behold.

Found in the forests of Aurora, Camarines Sur, Samar, and Surigao del Sur, it is the hardest and densest
of ironwoods, best used for construction.

It is also one of the many tree species endemic to the Philippines.

Unfortunately, rampant logging activities have reduced the Philippines’ once lush forest cover,
threatening the species of bagoadlau and other native tree species.

As the country began to industrialize, forests were cleared out for timber and for space to develop.

To refresh these areas, the government and many private organizations have initiated different greening
and other environmental programs.

However, many of these greening programs are done indiscriminately, planting popular and familiar tree
species like Mahogany, Acacia, and Gmelina, which are all foreign and exotic.

Unknown to many people, these exotic tree species do more harm to the environment than good. The
exotic species invade the biodiversity of our forests and disrupt its balance.
Thankfully, there is still hope.

In 2008, the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the largest vertically integrated geothermal
producer of the country, launched its Binhi program, a species conservation program that focuses on
native tree species.

A total of 96 threatened native tree species have been prioritized for this search and rescue program as
their numbers have been dwindling, with some even believed to be extinct, making the program a
pioneer in corporate-led reforestation programs in the country.

Many of these identified species can only be found in the Philippines like Malinoag, Philippine teak,
Batikuling, Yakal-yamban and the five endemic iron wood species—the Mangkono, Mapilig, Bagoadlau,
Sierra Madre Mangkono, and Palawan Mangkono.

The team’s arduous search throughout most of the Philippines came into fruition as the 96 identified
threatened species were all successfully found in our country’s forests.

The Binhi team did not stop there. The next challenge was to multiply and propagate these species.

To achieve this, EDC has continuously forested the watersheds within its geothermal reservations.

Moreover, the Binhi team now has over 150 different partners from different academic and non-
governmental organizations, all of which dedicate a specific area for planting of these tree species.

The Binhi team, then, provides technical support and expertise related to the care of these trees,
allowing for their healthy growth.
These strategies ensure that more native tree species will be planted in many other areas beyond
watersheds within EDC geothermal site.

Moreover, to further achieve the goal of propagating these species, EDC entered a partnership with the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Biodiversity Management Bureau in 2016
under its Adopt a Wildlife Species Program, where selected threatened native trees under the BINHI
program will have their ecological statuses updated, as a proof of their successful propagation.

This is also in support of the government’s reforestation efforts.

Under the partnership, 35 threatened species are targeted for upgrading within three years.

Entering the partnership has allowed EDC to contribute to the national biodiversity conservation
program, focusing on the updating of the Philippine red list of threatened tree species, the protection of
the identified trees in surveyed areas, and the planting of these species to save them from extinction.

Intensive inventory and geo-tagging were done on the first 10 species for status updating from 2016 and
2017.

The results of these activities have shown that, through the propagation efforts made by the Binhi
program, these 10 species now have enough numbers to have their ecological statuses upgraded with
the DENR. These 10 species for status upgrading are the Mapilig, Bagoadlau, Sierra Madre Mangkono,
Palawan Mangkono, Mangkono, Samar Gisok, Dalingdingan, Malabayabas, Yakal-malibato, and Yakal-
kaliot, most of which are known for their strong and durable wood.

Currently, the Binhi program is still the only corporate-led greening program that focuses on the rescue
and propagation of threatened native trees, so the results of the inventory and geo-tagging are
considered new and pioneering to the scientific community.
Hence, the results will be submitted not just to the DENR for the updating of their ecological statuses,
but also to different scientific journals, as contribution to the scientific community.

With the success of updating the first ten species, 25 more species are still in the process of undergoing
inventory and geo-tagging, with the next 10 species slated for upgrading this 2018, and the last 15
species in 2019.

The Binhi (Filipino for seedling) program lived up to its name. It has planted and spread seedlings to
grow for the future generation.

This success means our future generations will still be able to see the striking and beautiful flowers of
the Bagoadlau and other native tree species.—CONTRIBUTED