Framework Species Trees for Batangas

The right selection of tree species is critical for the reforestation to be successful.  Using the Miyawaki Method and the Framework Species Method of Dr. Elliot, the ideal tree species would meet the following criteria:

• is a native canopy species that are most likely to have been growing naturally at the site
• must survive well when planted in deforested areas
• must have dense spreading crowns to shade out weeds
• should attract seed-dispersing animals by producing fruit, nectar, nesting sites, and perching sites
• if possible, must be resistant to fire

Now comes the tricky part: finding the tree species that meet those criteria. Dr. Miyawaki recommends that you try to imagine what was growing at the site before people came into the picture and then plant those species. It would probably also be useful to visit a natural forest in the area to see what trees are growing there. Barring that, it would be good to have a list of the native tree species that are common to your area. Unfortunately, I don’t have the tree identification skills to come up with my own list. I also could not find a list of lowland forest trees found in Batangas.

To come up with my list of trees, I started off with the list of “Indigenous forest trees recommended for habitat restoration/wildlife conservation with reproductive parts eaten by some animals based on field observations” from the Guide to Rainforestation Timber Species found at the Rainforestation Information Portal. There are 122 species in that list. I cross-referenced that list with the list of available native trees from Imelda Sarmiento of Hortica Filipina Foundation Inc. I also added species from Imelda’s list that were tagged as “wildlife, reforestation species”.  I also took note of the trees that were used in the Yokohama tree planting at Clark, the trees mentioned in the book Philippine Native Trees 101 as food sources for animals or good  pioneering trees, and the trees in the list of bird-friendly trees that we helped put together for our the Ecology Committee of our village.  I also added the trees mentioned in a study of the trees of Mt. Maculot, the available trees in the Native Trees Nursery for Batangas mentioned in the Rainforestation Information Portal website. I also added Philippine Teak because I read that it is found in the lowland forest of Batangas.

I am also trying to identify the trees that are already growing in the farm. I eventually plan to set up a nursery so I can gather the seeds and grow seedlings to add to the farm or for other reforestation projects. I am also planning to ask the our caretaker about the common trees in the area. I plant to show him the book Philippine Native Trees 101 to start.

Here is initial tree list:

1. Alagaw, Alagau  Premna odorata
2. Alim  Melanolepis multiglandulosa <– we already have this growing in the farm
   
3. Almon Shorea almon
4. Anabiong Trema orientalis*
   
5. Anonang  Cordia dichotoma
6. Antipolo  Artocarpus blancoi
7. Apitong  Dipterocarpus grandiflorus
8. Bagtikan  Parashorea malaanonan
9. Bahai  Ormosia calavensis
10. Balite Ficus balete*
    
11. Bangkal Nauclea orientales
12. Bani  Pongamia pinnata
13. Banuyo  Wallceodendron celebicum
14. Batino  Alstonia macrophylla
15. Bayok  Pterospermum diversifolium <– we already have this growing in the farm
    
16. Bignay  Antidesma bunius
17. Bignay-pugo  Antidesma pentandrum
18. Binunga  Macaranga tanarius* <– we already have this growing in the farm
    
19. Bitanghol  Callophyllum blancoi*
    
20. Bitaog  Callophyllum inophyllum
21. Dao  Dracontamelon dao
22. Dita  Alstonia scholaris
23. Duguan  Myristica philippinensis
24. Guijo  Shorea guiso
25. Hagimit  Ficus minahassae*
26. Igyo  Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum
27. Ilang-ilang  Cananga odorata
28. Ipil  Intsia bijuga
29. Is-is  Ficus ulmifolia <– we already have this growing in the farm
    
30. Kalantas  Toona calantas
31. Kalumpit  Terminalia microcarpa
32. Kamagong  Diospyros philippinensis
33. Kapulasan  Nephelium lappaceum
34. Katmon  Dillenia philippinensis
35. Lamio  Dracontomelon edule
36. Lanete  Wrightia pubescens <– we already have this growing in the farm
    
37. Lipote  Syzygium polycephaloides
38. Mabunot   Gomphandra luzoniensis
39. Malakmalak  Palaquium philippinense*
40. Malapapaya  Polycias nodosa
41. Malogai  Pometia pinnata
42. Marang or Malaabukado  Litsea cordata
43. Molave  Vitex parviflora
44. Narra  Pterocarpus indicus
45. Palosapis  Anisoptera thurifera
46. Philippine Teak  Tectona philippinensis*
47. Sablot Litsea Glutinosa <– we already have this growing in the farm
    
48. Red Lauan  Shorea negrosensis
49. Takip asin  Macaranga grandifolia
50. Talisay-gubat  Terminalia foetidissima
51. Taluto  Pterocymbium tinctorium
52. Tamayuan  Strombosia philippinensis
53. Tangisang bayawak  Ficus variegata
54. Tibig  Ficus nota
55. Tindalo  Afzelia rhomboidea
56. Tuai  Bichofia javanica
57. White Lauan  Shorea contorta
58. Yakal-saplungan  Hopea plagata

*I don’t have a source for this