Almaciga Tree

The Almaciga Tree (Agathis philippinensis), is a huge tree that grows up to 60 meters in height and the trunk up to 3 meters in diameter. It has green, leathery leaves that are opposite, broad, shaped like an oval that develop up to 7cm long and 2cm wide. It produces cones that measure up to 5cm long for male cones which are usually cylindrical; while up to 8cm long for female cones commonly resembling the shape of a globe but not having the perfect shape of a circle. It’s bark color is gray and smooth, and oozes out white liquid material called “resin” whenever cut. This resin is what makes almaciga highly valued in the world.

The resin produced from cutting the bark of almaciga is used widely in manufacturing varnishes, paint, lacquer, waterproofing materials, soap, linoleum and other similar products. While the Almaciga tree is primarily used and sourced for its resin, it is also valued for their high-quality timber.

Locals also use different parts of the tree for various applications like decoration, torches or starting fire, incense, fuel wood, caulking substance and smudge for mosquitoes.

Scientific name: Agathis philippinensis
Family: Araucariaceae