Talisai or Indian Almond or Umbrella tree.

The TALISAI (Terminalia catappa) tree, from the family Combretaceae, also known as the Indian Almond or Umbrella tree is a common tree that is often found along coastal areas, roadsides and parks. Being in this type of habitat, this tree is salt and drought tolerant, best grown under full sun and is also resilient to strong winds during the rainy season. Often planted as a shade and ornamental tree due to it's large broad leaves and branches that extend horizontally, which then form tiers or levels. This tree would certainly help provide protection and shelter for any passers-by.

The fruit is said to be edible, tasting similar to almonds. Parts of the tree produce tanin, black and yellow dye and has medicinal properties. Wood is used for its lumber.

Parang in Akleng-parang refers to grassland, prairie or meadow. Now I get it!

I've been thinking before what could be the relation of the Acle (Albizia acle) from the Akleng-parang (Albizia procera) tree, besides that they are both from the family of MIMOSACEAE or LEGUMINOSAE? Noticing that the two names mentioned in the book Revised LEXICON OF PHILIPPINE TREES by Justo P. Rojo show different spelling made me wonder if it was just a typographical error. Anyway, "parang" in the ordinary usage of tagalog term means "as if" or "similar to". But I still could not understand how one could be similar to the other when they both look very different.

Not until I had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Ramiro Escobin of FPRDI, UPLB that I finally understood that the word "parang" has another meaning to it. I guess that I wasn't really paying much attention to the book mentioned above because it is also specified that "parang at low and medium altitudes in regions subject to a long dry season" was part in description about the tree. Or that the word parang according to the tagalog-english dictionary simply meant meadow or prairie.

Identification of tree and plant species is already a daunting task. Learning more about the official common names could also unravel secrets as to how or what these forest treasures require for them to survive.

Top photo: shows an Akleng-parang tree in its deciduous state
Left bottom: Acle seedling
Right bottom: Akleng-parang seedling

TWiT TWiT ! ! ! . . . New life under the Akleng-parang tree.

The nest was secretly hidden among the dense grass under the Akleng-parang tree. Inside the nest were three precious baby birds, still innocent of the world around them. Need to plant more trees in order to save their habitat.

Plague of Caterpillars.

Two days ago, I was in San Pablo, Laguna and I had the chance of capturing the image of some of the caterpillar species, which I have observed are most abundant. Some were targeting specific types of trees while others were devouring shrubs, vines, herbs and grass. Are these critters the same culprits that have been damaging vegetable and other crops in your neighborhood farms? Please identify them if you can....... If I'm not mistaken, most of them are larvae of moths.

From top to bottom caterpillars are munching away plant matter from the following: a) Kabling-parang; b) Bangkoro; c) Hauili; d) Tangan-tangan; e) Kolitis; f) Tangan-Tangan

In fairness to some caterpillars, there seem to be no shortage of butterflies roaming around the vicinity of this town, which are beneficial insects that help pollinate plants and trees.






Reference: Philippine Medicinal Plants

ILLEGAL LOGGING IN THE PHILIPPINES - S.O.S.

Illegal Logging South Negros posted by angtabungos on Youtube last January 06, 2010
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix-fESfmqtg


Illegal logging in Eastern Samar (Barobo, The sinking Barangay) posted by planuk on Youtube last November 23, 2009
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdvuX9WvaYQ


Destruction of Sierra Madre Mountain Forest (092209RNB 2) posted by kwadernongreporter on Youtube last September 22, 2009
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TpGhvPN2F8


Kalasan (Forest) - Bukidnon posted by arkipelagoprod on Youtube last September 02, 2009
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwTgXTarkL4


ILLEGAL LOGGING IN PHILIPPINES - ISABELA, AURORA posted by PINASWATCH2 on Youtube last July 21, 2009
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmhIroaRK4c&feature=related

We need more people like Isabela Ex-Governor Grace Padaca. Kaya siguro siya naalis sa pwesto, dahil nakahanap ng paraan mga kinalaban niya na malalaking personalities who are involved in illegal logging. I hope and pray that the new governor would do his part also in stopping illegal logging in his area.

Aurora DENR posted by ChairmanJoey on Youtube last April 08, 2008
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A6LXQTsfOw


illegal logging in the Banwaon Territory, Agusan del Sur posted by kebager on Youtube last September 18, 2007
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-Ph7t9_XMA&feature=related


Massive Kaingin at Ipo Watershed posted by ipodam on Youtube last May 25, 2007
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl6J41s8G4k&feature=related


LOGGING IN THE PHILIPPINES 1 - SIERRA MADRE posted by vonjobi on Youtube last May 23, 2006
source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi6kYflQ5Sw&feature=related