Who would ever think that such a beautiful tree as the BAGRAS (Eucalyptus deglupta) would come from Mindanao, Philippines? Judging by it's towering stature, ever changing rainbow colored palette of its tree trunk and aromatic eucalyptus leaves, one would easily mistake this tree to originate from Australia, known for the land of the Eucalyptus trees.What makes this tree so special is the spectrum of color developed by the peeling of its smoot
h bark in a fatigue inspired pattern. Mosquitoes are believed to be repelled by the scent of this tree and that oil essences are also used for therapeutic purposes. Aside from this, Bagras is also a fast growing forest tree species (pioneer tree), thus would be a good candidate for reforestation species and landscaping projects as well. Insects such as bees and butterflies seem to have a frenzy whenever clusters of nectar rich flowers cover its canopy. A sun loving tree such as this though also has its downside as
branches would easily break due to strong winds and the whole tree might topple down in case its roots hasn't anchored properly to the soil.
h bark in a fatigue inspired pattern. Mosquitoes are believed to be repelled by the scent of this tree and that oil essences are also used for therapeutic purposes. Aside from this, Bagras is also a fast growing forest tree species (pioneer tree), thus would be a good candidate for reforestation species and landscaping projects as well. Insects such as bees and butterflies seem to have a frenzy whenever clusters of nectar rich flowers cover its canopy. A sun loving tree such as this though also has its downside as
branches would easily break due to strong winds and the whole tree might topple down in case its roots hasn't anchored properly to the soil.Probably, it is not a good idea to plant this tree along highways / roadways because of the reason mentioned above.
Fallen leaves show "fall" colors.
71 comments:
where can i buy seedlings of this tree?
hello Anonymous!
Thank you for taking interest in Philippine Trees. May I know from what area are you coming from? It is important for me to ask so that I may guide you properly and be able to give appropriate suggestions regarding this particular tree.
Sincerely,
Tristan
Tristan;
I leave in Cainta Rizal in a subdivision..can I grow this tree in my backyard..My backyard is small but plenty of sunlight ..from 6am-4pm..
How do I keep it heathy.
Where can I buy this Eucalyptus seeds and or seedlings? Am here now in Batangas and will leave for the US on the 23rd of this month of June. Anybody? I have a 10-hecs of land to plant them. Thank you. Kindly email me at ireneaclan@mac.com or txt at 0927-876-6489, or 302-584-1184 after June 23rd, 2010. Thank you... Irene
Hello Nancy and Irene! Thank you both for reading my blog and taking interest in our native Philippine trees.
TO NANCY: You can grow Bagras in your backyard. I know that it is still a viable plan, because I have a neighbor who has a big mature Bagras, about 1meter in diameter if i'm not mistaken, right beside their house and it is still standing magnificently inspite of Millenyo and Ondoy's wrath..... Bagras is a very fast growing tree that requires little or no care at all after it establishes itself from the soil. It loves an area with full sunlight and better if its roots get adequate watering from the soil. Just be reminded that this is a softwood tree and that it would be advisable to prune or cut weak brances before it breaks and damage anything.
TO IRENE: You can purchase the seeds and seedlings at the Manila Seedling Bank, Quezon City at the corner of Quezon Avenue and Edsa. I think that they are selling this at P25 each at about 1-2ft height. I haven't tried germinating seeds of this tree, but I know that the (MSB)admin office might have available seeds to sell and that they also know how to germinate them so just inquire with their personnel for proper advice.
I hope that I have answered your questions. Feel free to ask in case you have any other queries in mind. Good luck to you both!
I also want to buy the seed , I'm from Indonesia . Is there a minimumorder ?
Rgds.
Trisno
Hi Anonymous! Welcome to my blogspot. As for your question, I think that the Manila Seedling Bank here in Manila (capital of the Philippines) sells the seeds in a 1 kilo pack. I don't know how much it costs.
Although I haven't been to your country, I know that you have diverse species of plants and trees, because both our countries are rich in tropical rainforests. At least my country used to have that......May I ask why would you want to introduce exotic species to your country when it could escape cultivation and displace a lot of your endemic or indigenous species of trees? If you ask me, I wouldn't consider pursuing your plan, because this will bring adverse effects to your surroundings especially your wildlife. I can say this to you because my people have introduced a lot of exotic/imported trees in my country and it is taking a toll on our native flora and fauna.
We should all learn to appreciate what our land has to offer, to protect it, nurture it and bring it's full potential for the benefit of the whole country.
I hope that I have answered your question and that my advice will help you think clearly in making the right decision.
Good luck on your endeavor. Please do keep in touch.
Hi, I just discovered this tree, thanks to one of my friend. There is one tree rainbow Eucalyptus in her neighborhood. I am an artist and am used to find inspiration in beauty of nature's details. My friend and I live in Makati and would be happy to go to places where you could see more trees like these ones. Colours and peelings are amazing! Thanks for telling me if you know any place! My email address is alexvanlierde@yahoo.fr
Hello Alex,
Since you are in Manila, the closest area that I can think of where there are mature Bagras trees that you can visit is in the Manila Seedling Bank (MSB) compound, particularly at their field nursery, near greenhouse 4 I think and one inside the selling area of MSB as well. You and your friend can visit the said trees and nobody there will bother you.
You might want to check the Ipil tree that I also featured here. Medyo nagbabalat din ito as you can see with the picture that I posted. You can see mature trees of this at the UP Los Banos, Laguna (UPLB) going to the Makiling Botanical Garden and Forestry Building......Baka makakuha ka ng inspirations mo sa Makiling Botanical Garden as there are lots of plants and trees there.
By the way, one of the visitor's/follower of my blog is also an artist/painter. You can check out his profile and blog for similar interests just by clicking on his profile pic.
I might also posts other tree species in the future that might serve your purpose so try to keep attuned.
Thanks for visiting my blog and posting a comment. Hope that I have answered your question.
Good luck!
Tristan
hello, im from zamboanga mindanao. where can i purchase this seedlings in mindanao? and how much will it cost? email add. eustaquioagustavo@yahoo.com
To Anonymous,
I haven't been to Mindanao so I cannot give a definite location as to where you will be able to purchase seedlings of Bagras. My best bet is that you check out from DENR/CENRO/PENRO nurseries in case they might have available stocks of this beautiful eucalyptus tree.
Here in Manila, you will be able to purchase seedlings of Bagras at the Manila Seedling Bank, which is at the corner of EDSA and Quezon avenue at the price of about P25 each. This would be about 4 inch up to 2ft in height depending on the availability of the stocks. Though taller and bigger specimens are also being sold in this establishment, prices are surely much higher.
What's the commercial value of the bagrass tree and how can one profit from investing in planting it (aside from reforestation value and praise from politically-correct Western-copycat pseudo-environmentalist city socialite folk contemptuous of jungle bunnies like me)? I have a thousand of the goddam things planted in Palawan, they are(supposed to be)fully matured (12 years, I was told), and I need to recover my investment. I was convinced to spend P150,000 to plant them 12 years ago by the Palawan Tropical Forestry Protection Program with their promise that I would make P25,000 per tree (P25 million total)selling them to Napocor for electric poles (or to lumber firms at P26 per board/feet@1000 bd.ft per tree). But Napocor switched to concrete electric poles, and both the PTFPP itself along with their promises, seem to have vanished into thin air. So what now for my 1000 bagrass trees?
To Anonymous: My soul intention for promoting, planting and propagating native species of Philippine trees is to preserve, conserve and protect these national treasures. It is imperative that we maximize the full potential of every species to help realize sustainability. But in case I go into the commercial lumber business, it will only be a means to refuel cost constraints.
Bagras from what I know is a source of eucalyptus oil, used in aroma therapy, in making soap, candles and other similar products. In fact, 1.33% eucalyptus oil is used as an ingredient to make VICKS VaporRub. If you are familiar with this famous product?
In my observation, beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies and birds are attracted to the flowers of this tree. While insect pests are deterred from foraging and damaging oil rich leaves. As such, it can be beneficial if you have other crops and fruit trees planted adjacent to your Bagras plantation.
What I am driving at is that there is a wealth of potential that we can take advantage, without the destruction of the trees. We just need to be vigilant in discovering what these are.
By the way, may I know the average girth or diameter of your 12yr. old Bagras trees now?
hi rico
where can i buy the books featured on the right side of this page?
hi were can i find bagras plantation in southern mindanao particularly in Davao
tristan have u studied Forestry @UPLB?
May i ask where i can buy dried eucalyptus leaves? thank you.
@al, some of the books I featured here can be acquired from UP Los Banos, National Bookstore, The National Museum and Antique book stores for books that are not being published anymore.
- I have only been to Davao once and I was on a vacation then, a gift to myself after graduating from college. Sorry, I have no idea where you can find Bagras plantations in Davao or Mindanao.
- I have no formal training on forestry, horticulture or agriculture. Why do you ask?
- I have no idea if there is anybody processing dried eucalyptus (bagras) leaves. Where are you from? How many do you require?
May I ask where can I buy leaves of Eucalyptus? I need it for my IP. Reply ASAP!! I'm from Metro Manila. :)
Anonymous, what do you mean by IP? How many Bagras leaves do you need?
Hi, Dean! I am sorry to inform you that I do not encourage nor promote transportation, purchase or exchange of Philippine species to other countries, because these can become invasive species, which can drastically alter your country's unique ecosystem. I'm sure that your wealth in Eucalyptus species in Australia will suffice all the requirement that you need.
Thanks for dropping by and have a nice day! :)
is this tree ever been featured in a magazine show here in the philippines?
Hello, Carmina! I don't remember seeing this tree being featured in a magazine. Why do you ask?
I train for a magazine show here in the Philippines that features amazing stories about everything. And I think I would pitch this story. This is amazing.
Do research more about this beautiful tree. I'm sure na kulang na kulang yung input na linagay ko regarding Bagras.
I hope your plan of featuring this in your magazine show pushes through. We need to promote our heritage trees in order to protect our banishing Philippine ecosystem.
Please inform me if in case you already have the details. I wouldn't want to miss watching it. Thanks! :)
Hi,
I have planted approximately 4,000 bagras trees 12 yrs ago (average 35 inch in diameter) and among other trees in Leyte. My purpose is to employ people, help the environment and hopefully get my money back. Is bagras good to make furnitures? I do plant trees almost every year and just last week bought kalumpit to try out. I am a nurse living overseas and have little idea about trees. I just kept planting.
Hello! Your heart is as noble as your profession. I am amazed to read that you have planted so many trees. I can just imagine how high your trees are now........Kalumpit is a good choice to add to your plantation if I may say so.
About the Bagras, I've heard that it was used as electric post by Meralco before, though I can't really confirm it...... I guess that its lumber can be used for furniture, but we must all be aware that being a pioneer tree and a fast grower, it also has its weakness. I would advise that the wood should be treated first against insect borers, that it should be cured properly and that it should not get wet. Susceptibility to these factors will most likely result to gradual deterioration.
I am open for swapping endemic/indigenous seedlings if you are interested.
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts here. :)
I buy my plants in VISCA. I can get anything from them. Thanks for the offer. If ever you are interested to see my plantation, you are welcome.I will be going home next year and
I will also show you around Leyte.
I've been there in 2005 by myself. Didn't get to see the arboretum, but was able to visit their nursery.....They had a lot to offer during that time, but still offered limited species.
I'd say that I've seen more of Samar compared to Leyte. Would love to go back there sometime. Thanks for the invite! :)
is manila seedling bank still open? is there a propagation and harvesting technique for this plant?
Hello Rico, I am also interested to plant this eucalyptus tree. I have heard that it is available at Mt. Kitanglad Integrated Agri-eco Farm at Bukidnon, but i have not yet able to contact them. I am from Cotabato City, please contact me at teresabataga@yahoo.com for any information to acquire seedlings. Thanks and God Bless
Hi. Is this good to drive away mosquitoes too? (especially malaria carrying ones?)
I guess it can help deter mosquitoes, but to a certain extent only. I believe that the chemical properties in the Eucalyptus is not as potent as it would be if it was processed in concentrated form. Thus insect pests would only pass the trees and still linger in other areas.
Protected by the Bukidnon Forest Incorporated, Bagras can be found In Malaybalay, Bukidnon :)
hi~ im very interested to see the tree. is there a place where i can see the tree near metro manila or driving time of within 3hrs? anyone can help? :)
Hi. I am interested in doing a research regarding this particular plant. Do you know where I can get samples of the leaves? I am from Laguna, although I stay in Quezon City.
Thanks.
May ilang puno ng Bagras makikita sa loob ng Manila Seedling Bank compound, QC, Manila. Makikita mo ito sa gilid ng field nursery kung saan malapit din sa mga greenhouses........ Di naman siguro masama manghingi ng ilang sample ng dahon nito sa mga nangangalaga doon.
Good luck!
sir may available leaves kaya sa manila seedling bank ng Bagras? kasi need namin for our thesis....
THANKS!
-Rap
Hello! Gusto ko rin po sanang i-feature ito sa isang magazine. Matanong ko lang po, san particularly in Mindanao ko mahahanap ang mga ito? Salamat! :)
where can i buy eucalyptus seedlings in cdo?
Hello, Justin! I've been to CDO twice already, but I have not seen Bagras in any of my trips there nor do I remember seeing any. Please ask from the nearest DENR nursery in your area, because they might know where you can acquire some.
Or you can try blogger, 13thWitch comment/suggestion at Malaybalay, Bukidnon, which is a few hours drive away.
Good luck!
i know some eucalyptus trees are planted along roads in pasig , some in laguna area.
not sure if they are the exact variety but they are eucalyptus
To the direct planters/owner of bagras trees. im interested in doing business. please email me at timbercorp@gmail.com
Thanks. Butch
Hi ! How can I profit our bagras trees without cutting it down ? Please reply .. thank you
Hello po, saan po sa Mindano ito makikita? maeron po ba sa Surigao City?
Hello :) Where in the Philippines and during which month are the trees the most colorful and abundant? Thanks...
February would be a good time to observe these trees. aside from the tree bark which tend to intensify during this season, leaves are also semi-deciduous that range from yellow-orange to orange-red in color.
Where can I get seedlings in Metro Manila? The Manila Seedling Bank seems to have been closed?
Geodino Carpio, you can email me at tristanasuncion@yahoo.com or call or text at 09178834691. Thanks!
I live in Banna way up north of Manila . Could I grow these up here ? I alrwady have a lot of ruit trees. Such as Calf.orange , grape fruits, reg Filipino fruit trees.
Hello Sir Paul W, you can try one or two to see if it can adapt to your area. There's no harm in trying. Pls. email or text me for seedling inquiry. Thanks :)
What type of furniture can we make from this tree?
Where can I buy seeds for the tree in Manila?
Hello! where can we get leaves of E. deglupta? we need it for our thesis. We are from metro manila
Thank you!
Anonymous, please contact me thru my cellphone number or my email address. Thanks.
Hello sir Rico! I have already sent an email. Thanks!
Lovely tree! Alabang Hills subdivision planted eucalyptus trees along their main road but they are not as colorful. Are there different varieties of this plant?
Happy new year Ma'am Susan Dy!.... Sorry, but I do not know any individual, group or institution doing varietal selections on Eucalyptus tree species, especially for Eucalyptus deglupta.
saan ako makakabili ng kahit anong eucalyptus n puno, taga manila ako, wala na kasi yung manila seeding bank :(
bluemoon, pls. contact me at 09176246957 or tristanasuncion@yahoo.com. thanks!
Hi Mr Rico, how are you?
I'm travelling to philipines next month and i really would like to see this trees! Do you know any place where i can visit a forest of these amazing tress?
good day sir/ma'am! please email me at tristanasuncion@yahoo.com. thanks.
I am absolutely in love with this gorgeous tree. Whenever I see the smooth tall Bagras trunk, my heart lifts. There are some growing in our subdivision in Quezon City, and I'd always wondered what they were called. But there are also some lovely lovely specimens in Washington Sycip Park in Makati and I really enjoy walking there.
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