Origin
The Mangkono tree is endemic to the islands of the Visayas, Palawan, and northeastern Mindanao in the Philippines. It grows in nutrient-poor, ultramafic forests, which are characterized by high levels of iron and magnesium in the soil. These forests are also home to other unique and threatened plants and animals, such as the Philippine eagle and the pitcher plant.
Botanical Characteristics
The mangkono tree belongs to the genus Xanthostemon, which comprises about 50 species of evergreen trees and shrubs in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Its scientific name is Xanthostemon verdugonianus, named after José María Verdugo y Albitos, a Spanish botanist who collected plants in the Philippines in the 19th century
The mangkono tree can reach up to 50 meters in height and 115 centimeters in bole diameter. However, most trees are much smaller and have irregular, fluted, and bent trunks. The bark is slate white in color and has a peeling appearance. The leaves are simple, alternate, leathery, dark green on the upper side and pale whitish green on the lower side. They measure about 8 to 12 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width34
The most striking feature of the mangkono tree is its bright red flowers that spring from the ends of the branches. Each inflorescence has multiple peduncles, each with 3 to 6 flowers, for a total of 13 to 20 per inflorescence. The flowers attract birds and insects that pollinate them. The fruits are dehiscent capsules that split open when ripe to release small semicircular seeds.
Importance
The Mangkono tree is valued for its extremely hard and heavy wood, which has a relative density of 1.452 at oven-dry condition. This makes it one of the hardest woods in the world, surpassing even lignum vitae (Guaicum officinale), which is widely used for bearings and other applications that require high strength and durability.
Because of its inherent hardness and high density, Mangkono wood is very difficult to cut, carve, or work with. It requires special tools and techniques to process it into usable products. It also has a high resistance to pests, fungi, rot, and fire. These qualities make it an excellent material for various purposes, such as: Rollers, shears, saw guide blocks, tool handles, Novelties, carvings, sculptures, Poles and piles for wharves and bridges, Posts for houses, Bearing or stern bushing for steamship’s propeller shaft, Musical instruments, Furniture, Flooring, Fencing, Coffins
Conservation
Despite its many uses and benefits, the Mangkono tree is also facing serious threats from overharvesting and habitat loss. It is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to its low population size and restricted distribution. It is also protected by Philippine laws that prohibit cutting or collecting it without a permit. However, illegal logging and mining activities continue to pose a risk to its survival
Therefore, it is important to conserve and protect this remarkable tree for its ecological, economic, and cultural value. Some of the actions that can be taken to help save the Mangkono tree are:
Supporting conservation efforts by local communities and organizations that protect and restore its habitat
Raising awareness and education about the importance and uniqueness of the Mangkono tree and its forest ecosystem
Promoting sustainable and responsible use of Mangkono wood and other forest products
Supporting research and development of alternative materials and technologies that can reduce the demand for Mangkono wood
Planting and propagating Mangkono trees in suitable areas to increase its population and genetic diversity
Conclusion
The Mangkono tree is a remarkable species that deserves our admiration and respect. It is not only a source of extremely hard and durable wood, but also a part of a rich and diverse forest ecosystem that supports many other plants and animals. It is also a part of the Philippine culture and heritage, as it has been used for various purposes by the local people for centuries. However, it is also endangered by human activities that threaten its habitat and population. Therefore, we need to take action to conserve and protect this ironwood of the Philippines for the benefit of ourselves and future generations.
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