Denr Plants Urban Forestry
Denr Plants Urban Forestry
Denr Plants Urban Forestry
Volume 18 No. 3
September December 2006
Suitable Species
for
Urban Forestry
3b
Foreword
Urban forestry is the care and management of tree populations in urban settings for the
purpose of improving the urban environment. Urban forestry advocates the role of trees
as a critical part of the urban infrastructure.
With an extensive and healthy urban forest, air quality can be drastically improved.
Trees help to lower air temperature and lesser urban heat island effect in urban areas.
This reduction of temperature not only lowers energy use, it also improves air quality, as
the formation of ozone is dependent on temperature. It also helps increase wildlife
population, and mitigates the overall urban environmental impact.
These two issues (Vol. 18, no. 2 and no. 3) of RISE have been reproduced based from
DENR Recommends on Suitable Species for Urban Forestry. These issue are intended
to provide information for people, especially urban planners, on what species of trees or
plants are suitable for urban forestry. It contains information on species distribution,
characteristics, site requirements, uses and propagation techniques.
AGUSTIN A. PIOL
OIC-Director
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Suitable Species for Urban Forestry
The urban forest exists in an environment dominated by people. This forest establishes
itself in small spaces available after all the necessary urban structures are built. It
survives the unfavorable environment, like compacted soils and polluted air.
The Master Plan for Forestry Development of DENR (1990) defines urban forestry as:
a forest park, a nature center, a greenbelt, a boulevard lines with trees or flowering
plants or even coconuts; a street with trees and other plants in the island or
sidewalks; a vacant lot planted to trees and other green plants; and a school, or a
hospital, or a factory yard with trees; or
Letter of Instruction No. 1312 issued in 1983, mandated the establishment of forest or
tree parks, greenbelts and other tourist attractions to:
enhance the beauty and improve the ecosystems of our communities thus, providing
the populace with a healthy and wholesome environment and a place for rest and
recreation;
make the people increasingly appreciate the need to preserve forests and restore, at
the earliest possible time, our denuded areas.
national parks and mini-forest parks these are areas where people usually
converge to rest and hold social gatherings or celebrations. These may be city-
municipal/barangay parks and established national parks.
greenbelts these are areas when planted serve as environmental pollution buffer
or filters. These include public plazas, subdivisions, school and public grounds, or
government compounds.
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commercial and industrial compounds these are fenced or walled-in areas
containing business establishments.
Trees and plants for establishment in urban forest are chosen to grow and surpass the
condition of the particular site. They must be adaptable to a particular hardiness zone
and should possess suitable morphological characteristics and forms for very small
spaces. The root system should penetrate in restricted soil spaces surrounded mainly
with concrete/asphalt and underground transmission lines and utilities.
Poisonous gases and particulates abound in the air of urban sites. Planting of trees and
other species that can tolerate gaseous pollutants is desirable. And only species with
numerous stomates can absorb more air pollutants.
Highly-Resistant Plant Species are those which show zero or almost zero percent
injury and can naturally grow well even after exposure to high traffic density areas.
Moderately-Resistant Species are those that show only up to 20% injury per plant.
Injury symptoms include discoloration of the leaves, defoliation and presence of
foliar pests and diseases.
Non-resistant Plant Species are those that exhibit more than 50% injury per plant
when exposed to polluted environment. Some plants totally shed their leaves and
perform very poorly in areas where air pollution has worsened due to excessive
emittance of exhaust gases from motor vehicles and factories.
This refopacket may serve as a guide for people, especially urban planners, on what
species of trees or plants are suitable for urban forestry. It contains information on
species distribution, characteristics, site requirements, uses and propagation techniques.
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1. Araucaria
Family: Araucariaceae
Characteristics
A cone-shaped tree with a single trunk from which short, stout branches grow out in
whorls, these whorls of branches decrease in size upwards. Leaves are clustered
densely, curved, sharp-pointed.
Site requirements
Grows in areas with cold climate and can be planted in the lowlands and mountains.
Uses
Propagation: Seeds
2. Aroma
Family: Mimosaceae
Distribution
Found all over the Philippines in open grasslands, thickets at low and medium altitudes
and especially common in regions with long dry seasons.
Characteristics
A shrub or small tree that grows 2-4 m high; it has sharp spines, 0.5-2 cm long and
zigzagging lenticellate branches. Leaves are generally in fascicles of three in a node.
Flowers are tiny, fragrant, yellow. Fruits are in clusters, slightly compressed to
cylindrical.
Site requirements: Grows in various types of soil; not sensitive to long dry spell.
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Uses
A source of well-known cassia, a perfume from France; bark and pods are used as dye
stuff and for tanning; trunk and branches as fuel. The bark is astringent and its
decoction is applied to treat prolapsed rectum. Leaves are used as poultice for ulcers
and sores.
Propagation: Seeds
3. Aure
Family: Mimosaceae
Distribution: Widely grown all over the Philippines, from lawns to abandoned areas.
Characteristics
A resilient, vigorously growing, small tree with a generally crooked trunk and with a
diameter up to 60 cm. The true leaves are twice pinnate compound seen only at the
seedling stage. The small yellow flowers, in short slender clusters are fragrant. Fruits
are curles pods which turn brown, then black when ripe.
Site requirements
Grows well in sites with mean annual rainfall of 1,800-2.500 mm; average temperature,
26-30C; deep or shallow soil; in limestone podzol and lateritic soil; generally has
optimum growth in clay soil.
Uses
Fuelwood, wood pulp, shelterbelts, furniture, building poles, fence posts, for N-fixation
and soil improvement.
Propagation: Seeds
4. Bo tree
Family: Moraceae
Distribution: Widely grown along the wayside all over the country
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Characteristics
A large tree, easily recognized by its stalked, heart-shaped simple leaves; young leaves
are pinkish turning fresh green before becoming darker green when mature.
Site requirements
Grows in second-growth forests and likes partial shade, thrives well at low altitudes;
requires no special moisture level.
Uses
Timber, fuelwood, fodder, windbreak, posts and for construction purposes, also as
ornamental for landscaping.
5. Banaba
Family: Lyrthracea
Distribution: Widely grown along the wayside all over the country.
Characteristics
The numerous bushy and sturdy branches are covered with heavy cone-shaped foliage.
The bark is smooth, grey to cream in color, peels off in irregular flakes; the leaves which
are smooth, oblong to elliptic ovate, 12-25 cm long turn red when they mature. The
flowers are roselike, scentless and richly colored.
Site requirements
Clay loam soils; average rainfall of 2,000 mm and average temperature of 28C.
Uses
Usually planted along the shoulders of streets and avenues for shade and for its
attractive flowers. Bark, leaves and flowers are used as purgative and as tea for
diabetics. The stems contain saponin and tannin.
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6. Bottle brush
Family: Myrtaceae
Characteristics
A medium-sized tree having cascading branches with whorls of simple, narrow leaves
which give a fragrant, oily aroma when crushed; flowers are small and bright red,
crowned along the end portion of the branches; fruits are small and brown, looking like
pepper corns.
Site requirements: Clay to clay loam soil with average soil moisture.
Propagation: Seeds
7. Dapdap
Family: Fabaceae
Distribution
It is native to the Philippines, seen along highways and in selected parks; widely found
along seashores.
Characteristics
A tree that reaches a height of 15 m; has stout branches and branchlets; trunk and
branches are armed with short, dark brown, black-tipped thorns. Flowers are bright red,
large and numerous.
Site requirements
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Uses
A shade tree, planted as live fences; serves as windbreak. The bark is used to treat
boils, fever, coughs and dysentery.
8. Golden shower
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
Characteristics
Site requirements
Thrives well in clay loam/sandy loam soil with an average rainfall of 2,000 mm and
temperature of 28C.
Uses
As ornamental, fodder; for fuelwood, windbreak, posts and medicinal purposes; a shade
tree.
9. Ilang-ilang
Family: Annonaceae
Distribution
Grows anywhere in the Philippines, in plantations and natural forests. Usually planted in
greenbelts and along roadsides.
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Characteristics
Site requirements
Prefers sandy to loam soil, fertile, well-drained with high organic matter content. Thrives
best in lowland areas with an elevation of not more than 900 m; performs well with an
average annual rainfall of 4830 mm.
Uses
Source of oil perfume, its flowers are made into leis and garlands. The bast fibers can
be made into coarse rope.
10. Agoho
Family: Casuarinaceae
Distribution
Widely found in Central Luzon and Ilocos provinces; planted usually along roadsides and
in parks.
Characteristics
A short-live, evergreen tree, 15-50 m high and 20-100 cm in diameter. It has very
straight trunks and narrow, pointed feathery crowns. The wood is dark
Site requirements
Does well on sandy, calcareous soils, prefers alkaline to neutral pH, but grows in acid
soils; grows in elevations as high as 1,500 m under rainfall of 200-5,000 mm and
temperature, 10-35C.
Uses
Quite effective for windbreak; often planted as an ornamental and hedge; used to
stabilize sand dunes and to block winds; also for erosion control.
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11. Talisai
Family: Combretaceae
Characteristics
Site requirements
Thrives in areas with sandy to sandy loam soil and an average rainfall of 2,000 mm and
temperature of 28C.
Uses: Shade or ornamental tree; suitable for dune stabilization and erosion control
Propagation: Seeds
Family: Annonacea
Distribution
Widely planted in parks, islands, backyards, home gardens, along roadsides and
thoroughfares
Site requirements
Thrives in clay loam to loam soil with an average rainfall and temperature of 2,000 mm
and 28C, respectively
Propagation: Seeds
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13. Red gum
Family: Myrtaceae
Distribution
Widely grown in Central Luzon; usually planted in greenbelts, backyards and along
roadsides.
Characteristics
A fast-growing tree that reaches a height of 50m; trunk is rather crooked and the crown
tends to be thin. The bark of older trees is rose pink, smooth and patchy
Site requirements
Prefers moist alluvial valleys and riverbanks but can withstand shallow, droughty soil. It
thrives with 400-1,000 mm/yr rainfall and 11-35C temperature. It is found in elevation
30-1,525 m.
Uses
Lumber, posts, fuelwood, windbreak, shelterbelts, good for charcoal and pulpwood. The
bark is a source of tannin.
Propagation: Seeds
Family: Mimosaceae
Characteristics
An erect shrub, 4 m high; leaflets, 6-10 pairs; pods, 6-10, 0.8-1.25 cm, brown, seeds, 6
or fewer.
Site requirements
Can thrive in areas 100 m asl and below. Prefers clay loam soil with an average rainfall
of 2,000 mm md temperature of 28C.
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Uses: For ornamental and landscaping purposes.
Propagation: Cuttings
15. Alibangbang
Family: Caesalpinoidae
Distribution:
Mostly abundant in dry slopes. Thrives well within the open lands of Carrangalan and
Pantabangan watershed areas; planted along roadsides.
Characteristics:
A small tree 8-10 m high, with a diameter of 20-40 cm. Leaves are pale green, heart-
shaped at the base but notched at the apex. Flowers are white; the bark is yellowish
brown and checked.
Site requirements
Common to dry open places, foothills and second-growth forests, particularly where
forests are invading grasslands. Grows well up to at least 700 m; highly resistant to
drought.
Uses
Wood is good for interior work, firewood, charcoal and slipper heels. Leaves are used
for flavoring meats and fish. The bark is reportedly used to treat fever and dysentery.
Propagation: Seeds
16. Cassia
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
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Characteristics
A bushy plant, the cassia is a favorite flowering shrub planted between wayside trees. It
has simple pinnate leaves and clustered, yellow flowers. Fruits are typically flattened
pods.
Site requirements
Light, deep, well-drained, rich soils. It naturally occurs in areas with a mean annual
temperature of 20-28C. It is most common in areas where annual rainfall is 650 mm or
more. It is a lowland species (below 800 m).
Propagation: Seeds
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
Characteristics
Uses
For N-fixation, shades shelter, ornamental, fuelwood, forage and windbreak. The
seeds/pods are edible
Propagation: Seeds
18. Kamachile
Family: Mimosaceae
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Distribution: Found all over the Philippines especially in warmer drier regions.
Characteristics
A tree about 5-18 m high. Ultimate branches are often pendulous, with short, sharp,
stipular spines. It has a broad crown and a short bole; leaves every e pinnate, 4-8 cm
long; at the base of each leaf is normally found a pair of short sharp spines. Flowers are
white in dense heads about 1 cm in diameter.
Site requirements
Endures drought and withstands heavy cutting; survives both heat and shade and can
grow on poor soils and denude lands in dry climate and on seacoast even with its roots
in brackish or salt water.
Uses
For general construction purposes, fuelwood, posts, pulp is eaten raw and made into
beverage similar to lemonade. Oil extracted from seeds after refining and bleaching can
be used for food or in making soap; source of tannin. Also for bee forage, fodder,
hedges, shelterbelts and shade.
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
Distribution
Widely found in gardens or parks. Usually planted in islands, greenbelts and along
roadsides.
Characteristics
A shrub or small tree which is sparsely branched. Leaves are alternate, broad elliptic or
oval, 9 cm long, one-third to one-half parted from apex; lobes are rounded with 9
prominent radiating veins beneath shallowly cordate; petioles, 3-4 cm long.
Site requirements
Clay loam to sandy loam soils; average rainfall of 2,000 mm and temperature of 28C.
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Uses
Propagation: Seeds
20. Mangium
Family: Mimosaceae
Characteristics
A medium-sized broad-leafed legume, 10-30 m high. Boles are straight and slightly
fluted at the base. Flowers are small, white or cream. Seeds are arranged longitudinally
within the pod.
Site requirements
Grows well on eroded, rocky, mineral or alluvial soils, prefers acidic soils. Thrives in
areas with annual temperature, 12-34C and annual rainfall 1,000-4,500 mm.
Uses
Propagation: Seeds
21. Santol
Family: Meliaceae
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Characteristics
A tree that grows up to 25 m high and 80 cm in diameter high with smooth and pinkish
bark. Leaves are trifoliate and arranged alternately. The fragrant flowers are numerous,
greenish yellow about 1 cm long. Fruit is rounded, yellowish when ripe.
Site requirements
Grows best in sandy clay silt loams that are loose, well-drained and contain plenty of
organic 800 m asl. It grows in dry and humid climates but does best in areas with an
even distribution of rainfall.
Uses
A favorite backyard fruit tree of the lowlands. A decoction from leaves can be used to
bathe a feverish person. Ripe fruits are eaten raw or made into jelly and candies.
22. Mahogany
Family: Meliaceae
Distribution
A native to Peru and Brazil and in Central America, it was introduced in the Philippines in
1914. Grows in Mt. Makiling, Laguna; Benguet; Mountain Province, also in Ilocos,
Isabela, Abra, Samar, Marinduque, and Zamboanga. Usually planted along roadsides
and in parks.
Characteristics
A large tree with a height 30-40 m. A deciduous tree that sheds its leaves during
summer. Leaves are pinnate, smooth and shiny. Flowers are in panicles. Fruits are in
large and conical, light chestnut brown pods, 1-2 cm in diameter, 2-6 cm long which split
open when ripe.
Site requirements
Prefers well-drained, sandy, clay slopes. Does well on rather shallow as well as deep,
alluvial soils. Thrives in areas having temperature, 11-32C and rainfall 1,500-5,000
mm.
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Uses
Medicinal lumber, firewood, carvings, boat/ship building, veneer and panelling, cabinet
making, also as shade for coffee and cacao.
23. Duhat
Family: Myrtaceae
Distribution
Introduced in the Philippines from the Malaysian region. It has become well distributed
throughout the country where it is both cultivated and found in great number in the wild.
Characteristics
A medium-sized evergreen tree, 10-30 m high. It has spreading branches. Leaves are
opposite, smooth and leathery. Flowers are small, scented, pink, light yellow or nearly
white. Fruits are in cluster. The fruit turns dark purple to almost black when ripe; its
flesh is grayish white and juicy with a mild acid taste. It contains a single large seed.
Site requirements
Thrives on various soil types, but especially on rocky calcareous soils. Grows best on
deep, fertile, well-drained soils, from clay to sandy loams and limestone. Best adapted
to the lowlands (less than 600 m) but may occur as high as 1,800 m. Strictly a tropical
species, prefers a distinct dry season but can grow in regions with heavy rainfall (1,500-
10,000 mm), riverbanks and tolerates flooding.
Uses
Planted as an ornamental, road tree and shelterbelt tree. Wood is used for fuel, posts,
exterior joinery, carpentry, agricultural implements, bridge/boat building and for making
musical instruments, particularly guitars. Leaves are used as medicine; bark, for dyeing
and tanning.
Propagation: Seeds
24. Neem
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Family: Meliaceae
Distribution
Characteristics
Site requirements
Thrives in infertile, shallow, rocky or clay soils; survives temperatures, 44C to below
0C, grows at elevation from sea level to 1,500 m, needs annual rainfall of 450-1,150
mm for good growth.
Uses
As windbreak, a shade tree for cattle, for soil improvement; used in insecticidal,
medicinal preparations. The wood is used for fuel, construction, furniture making, paper
pulp, chipboard. Leaves are good mulch and can be used as insecticide. Oil extract is
used in soaps, cosmetics, dyes, lubricants, and as an illuminant.
Propagation: Seeds
25. Mango
Family: Anacardiaceae
Distribution
Central and southern Luzon, central and western Visayas; and the Ilocos provinces are
the main production areas in the Philippines.
Characteristics
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long, pink, red, orange, green or yellow petals. The bark exudes a milky latex when
injured.
Site requirements
Thrives in deep, rich soil high in organic matter. Annual rainfall of 800 mm is sufficient if
it is well distributed; the ideal temperature, 24-27C. Most commercial production is
below 610 m but mango is known to grow up to 1,220 m.
Uses
Shade tree. Fruit is edible. Wood is good timber and is used for heavy furniture, doors,
window casings, floors, plywood, turnery and boxes. Young leaves and shoots are
eaten as vegetable and used to treat chicken pox.
26. Lokinai
Family: Podocarpaceae
Distribution
Infrequently collected in the Philippines, though common and forming pure stands
elsewhere. In Luzon, it is found in Quezon, in the Sierra Madre mountains and Mindoro.
Also grown in eastern Mindanao.
Characteristics
Small to large tree up to 40 m high. Brown bark fissured with loose scaly flakes, juvenile
leaves are slender with needles up to 20 mm long.
Site requirements
Propagation: Seeds
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References
Coronel, Roberto E. 1983. Promising fruits of the Philippines, UPCA, Los Baos 508 pp.
Hensleigh, T.E. and B.K. Holaway (eds.). 1988. Agroforestry species for the Philippines.
AJA Printer. Manila 389 pp.
The Philippines Recommends for Reforestation. 1992. Series No. 49-A. Revised Edition.
113 pp.
Uriarte, M.T. 1994. Air-pollution-resistant plant species recommended for urban areas (A
Highly-Resistant Species). Techno-info Series 49(1): January - March 1994. 65
pp.
______________. 1994. Some ornamental and tree species recommended for planting
in Metro Manila. Their distribution and characteristics. Techno-Info Series 4(4):
October-December 1994. 71 pp.
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