Plant Feature: Philippine teak | Herbarium Digital Library


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Plant Feature: Philippine teak

Category: Plants and Orchids
Date Posted: 2005-12-29

Tectona philippinensis (Philippine teak) is a small to medium sized tree found only in the Philippines particularly in Lobo and San Juan (Batangas) and Iling Island (Mindoro). Its bark is flaky, bears light purple flowers, and sheds off its leaves in summer. The wood has been used as materials for the construction of ships, railroads, houses, and buildings which contributed to the decline of the population. Forests are now cleared and have given way to farmlands and human settlements. The local people also collect the wood for firewood.

Recent expeditions to its natural habitats had confirmed the occurrence of the species in critical levels particularly in Iling Island, Mindoro. In this island, only less than 20 individuals are left and are confined to a small privately owned wooded plot.

The local people have stepped up efforts for the conservation of the species. Through their local governments, the people have passed resolutions to adopt the Philippine teak as a Flagship Species, prohibit cutting of the trees, and promoting conservation of the species through education and ecotourism programs.

The species is currently categorized as ENDANGERED in the World List of Threatened Trees and 2002 IUCN List of Threatened Plants.