Philippine Teak
Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis) is an endemic species of the Philippines, native to the provinces of Lobo, San Juan municipalities, and Batangas in Luzon Island and Occidental Mindoro, Katayungan, and Baclayon barangays on Iling Island. This species is very important as it is one of the only three species that belongs to the genus Tectona which includes the commercial teak (Tectona grandis) and the molave (Vitex parviflora). It 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.
In addition, this species has medicinal uses. A decoction of the fresh leaves dried leaves is used to treat menstrual disorders and haemorrhages and the oil from the nuts is used to stimulate hair growth and to treat skin irritations.
The species prefers coastal to lowland limestone forests. It is critically endangered, and presently small populations remain in the Molave Forest in Lobo. The conversion of Philippine Teak habits into farmlands, logging of young trees and deforestation 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.
