Pushing native trees to their limit.

This particular site is within the compounds of an undeveloped subdivision in Laguna, which has been cleared and leveled to make way for open lots that has been left for years now. It shows one side of the perimeter fence, about 100 linear meters more or less that still contain remnants of growing vegetation of endemic and indigenous trees and plants.

Two pictures merged into one to create that continuous stretch of vegetation to simulate a panoramic image closest to the actual site. Of course the road on the left and rightmost part have been distorted.

Enumerated species that I found growing in close proximity with each other are the following: Bignai-pugo; Bignai sp.; Pinka-pinkahan; Bagauak; Bayag-usa; Alim; Igyo; Antipolo; Kalios; Amugis; Apatot or Bankoro sp; Hauili; Anubing; Pagsahingin; Kaong; Is-is or Ficus sp.; Bagauak sp.; Ginger sp. and a few unknown species.

The property at the opposite and adjacent to this perimeter fence is a private lansones and coconut plantation. With so little space left for native Philippine trees to grow and with the growing need for timber and charcoal needs, I don't know how long our native flora and fauna will last.

The picture above shows half of the area of the subdivision which is leveled off and has not yet been built with infrastructure. The perimeter area is still indicative that native trees abound. At least for now, they are somehow left alone.

But should this be the case? As an architect, designer, conservationist, and a plant hobbyist, my advice is to assess and carefully survey the natural beauty of a particular property or area. It is obvious that mature endemic trees flourished in this vast open land and that they should have been integrated with the design of the landscaping. Trees are a part of our lives. Please don't take them out of the picture!

Philippine Fauna - Is this how we want to see them?

I happen to pass by the College of Forestry in UPLB, Laguna the other day. Just as I was leaving the building, I noticed a room with a glass window at the side of the main entrance. This was what I saw along with other cased beatles, cicadas and other insects.

The stuffed Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle seem to be staring at me. It's eyes piercing through my soul as if to give a sign or a warning.

Our country is one of the major hot spot for wildlife and flora biodiversity in the world. Could this be the future of our Philippine Fauna, a lifeless preserve of a thing?

Betel Nut Palm for your live fencing needs.

The Betelnut (Areca catechu) from the family Palmae / Arecaceae is commonly found in Southeast asia. It is popular with most elders as it is one of three important ingredients for the Betelnut chew known to many Filipino's as "nganga".

Aside from it's many uses, this palm tree is also used as "live fence" in some parts of the country. Simply because it can be grown in close proximity with each other, is a fast growing palm, provides additional landscape due to it's aesthetic values, single erect stem with sparse canopy, low maintenance, possess medicinal properties, easily propagated by seeds and able to produce ornamental fruits which is the primary ingredient for betelnut chew.

PHILIPPINE NEEM TREE.

Reaching rapid heights and one of the fastest pioneer tree species is the Bagalunga (Melia dubia synonymous to Melia composita) from the family Meliaceae. It's english name according to the book, A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamenal Plants by Dr. Domingo Madulid is known as the Philippine neem tree. In association with the "neem", known to be an effective natural insecticide, I haven't noticed any pests or diseases in association with this species, which makes it a very good candidate for rainforestation projects.

The tallest tree that I've seen so far is about 20-25 meters in height. A few branches may subject to breakage due to strong winds caused by typhoons, but so far, no tree specimen of mine has toppled down. Another important thing is that this tree will make a good nurse tree for germinating potted seeds and seedlings as it will provide filtered light under its shade.

Bangkal tree with curious orb like flowers.

The first time that I saw stands of Bangkal (Nauclea orientalis) trees were along an estero, corner of Wilson street and A. Mabini street in San Juan city, Manila. On occasion, I would see this tree on slightly sloping dry land or thickets. The next time I saw this species is along a stream or waterway. Do you get the drift?

I learned from The Free Dictionary by Farlex that the genus "Nauclea" means "small genus of evergreen tropical shrubs or trees with smooth leathery leaves". I thought that the scientific name had something to do with it's flowers. Somehow I was rooting the genus Nauclea with the word nucleus. But turns out that they are two different words. LOL.........

Luckily, I chanced upon it's ever ellusive flowers one sunny morning of August. It was great timing I'll say. Thank you Lord. And thank you for the perfect lighting!

By the way, Bangkal is said to have medicinal and anti-malarial properties, eaten by birds and bats and a source of a bright yellow dye.