As a forestry graduate, environmental advocate, and someone who is deeply passionate about our Philippine native trees, I feel compelled to share what I’ve gathered about one of the most remarkable trees in our lowland forests—Dracontomelon dao, locally known as Dao. Through research, personal observation, and field immersion, I’ve come to admire this towering symbol of resilience and ecological heritage.
🌱 Botanical Identity and Classification
The Dao tree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family—the same group that includes mango and cashew. Scientifically named Dracontomelon dao (Blanco) Merr. & Rolfe, it is a large canopy tree found in tropical Asia and the western Pacific. In the Philippines, it’s widely known as “dao,” a name passed down through generations in various dialects.
Here's a quick look at its classification:
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Family: Anacardiaceae
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Genus: Dracontomelon
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Species: dao
🌿 Tree Description and Growth Habits
One of the most awe-inspiring things about the Dao tree is its size and stature. It can grow up to 55 meters tall, with a straight, smooth trunk that is often branchless for 20 meters or more. The base of the trunk often has narrow buttresses that can reach 6 meters high—an impressive sight in the wild.
The leaves are pinnately compound, each with 5–7 glossy leaflets that are 10–20 cm long. The tree blooms with small, creamy white flowers, which appear in panicles alongside new leaf shoots. Its fruits are round, yellowish drupes, around 2–3 cm wide. These are edible, though they have a tangy, sour taste and are often cooked, candied, or used as flavoring.
🌧️ Ecological Niche and Environmental Tolerance
From what I’ve learned and observed in the field, Dao is a tree that thrives in lowland primary or secondary forests—especially on alluvial soils, riverbanks, or swampy areas. It grows best in areas with high annual rainfall (around 1,800–2,900 mm) and tolerates partial shade, which makes it capable of regenerating even in degraded sites or secondary forests.
Dao is native not only to the Philippines but also to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Papua New Guinea. But in many parts of the Philippines today, it's becoming increasingly rare in the wild, often existing as single individuals in scattered forest remnants. That deeply concerns me.
🌏 Ecological and Economic Significance
The ecological role of Dao cannot be overstated. It contributes to:
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Biodiversity: Hosting birds, bats, insects, and arboreal mammals.
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Soil stability: Especially along rivers and flood-prone areas.
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Forest restoration: Dao’s capacity to regenerate makes it ideal for reforestation using native species.
In terms of economic uses, Dao is valued for:
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Timber: Light yet durable, ideal for furniture, veneer, flooring, and plywood. The grain is often wavy or figured, which gives it aesthetic appeal.
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Food: The fruit, while sour, is eaten raw or processed as sweets and jams.
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Medicine: Traditional uses include treatments for skin diseases, diarrhea, and wounds using bark, leaves, and fruit.
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Cultural Significance: In some traditions, the seed pattern called “Five Buddhas” holds spiritual symbolism.
📈 Growth Rate and Plantation Potential
Dao has moderate growth in plantation settings. In Java, for instance, when planted at 1 × 3 m spacing, the canopy closes by the eighth year. Its average growth rate in well-managed sites is around 5.4 cubic meters per hectare per year by age 15. However, one limitation is that heartwood forms slowly, so long-term commitment is needed for quality timber production.
Propagation is typically by fresh seeds, which have a high germination rate but lose viability quickly—within 1–4 months. I’ve come across community-based nurseries where germination rates reach over 85% if the seeds are sown within weeks of collection.
⚖️ Legal Protection in the Philippines
As a Filipino environmentalist, I’m proud to know that our government has taken legal steps to protect this iconic tree:
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Presidential Decree No. 953 (1976) strictly prohibits the cutting of Dao trees without a special permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) classifies Dao under threatened plant species, and it appears in DENR’s DAO 2007-01 listing.
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Many local governments are also recognizing century-old Dao trees as heritage trees, granting them further protection.
These laws are more than words—they're shields to prevent extinction.
💡 Final Reflections
I’ve had the privilege of standing under towering Dao trees—feeling small, humbled, and deeply connected to our natural heritage. Sadly, they are vanishing from our landscapes, pushed out by land conversion, logging, and neglect. That’s why I believe in educating the next generation of foresters, barangay leaders, and youth about the value of native species like Dao.
We must support reforestation programs, urban greening projects, and heritage tree ordinances that include Dao. Let us not wait until this majestic tree exists only in textbooks and memories.
🖊️ Call to Action
I encourage you, whether you're a student, policymaker, or ordinary citizen, to join in this cause. Plant native. Protect existing trees. Support local ordinances. Advocate for funding and research. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of one Dao tree to transform a landscape—and a life.
If you’ve encountered a Dao tree in your area, take a photo, document its location, and report it to your local DENR or barangay council. Let's make this a collective journey.
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