Native Tree Of The Month (PART 1) AMUGIS Koordersiodendron pinnatum (Blco.) Merr.

Physical Characteristics

Amugis tree is a large evergreen tree that grows to 25 meters in height and 120 centimeters or more in diameter. The leaves are spirally arranged, crowded at the ends of twigs, with six to 16 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong, with an equilateral obtuse base and acuminate apex. They measure about 9-20 cm x 2.2-5 cm. The inflorescences are axillary panicles, up to 50 centimeters long, bearing white to yellow-green flowers. The fruits are about 2.5 to four centimeters long, with one compressed seed. 

Location

Amugis tree is found in undisturbed forests up to 800-meter altitude, but usually below 500 meters. In secondary forests, it is usually present as a pre-disturbance remnant. It is widely distributed throughout the Philippines in most islands and provinces in open forests at low altitudes, but nowhere abundant.

Method of Propagation

Amugis tree is propagated by seeds only.

Traditional Use:

The exudates (gum) are used in local medicine. The bark of the amugis tree has medicinal properties.

Contemporary Use:

Its wood is a good material for flooring and general construction, furniture, cabinet-making and turnery. The fleshy mesocarp is eaten raw but not very desirable.

How to plant your amugis seedling

Clear the area where you want to plant your seedling with unwanted weeds and debris. Make sure that a one-meter radius is kept free from other vegetation. Dig a plant hole with dimensions of at least 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm. Plant the seedling at proper depth. Root collar should be at level with or a little below the ground surface with the seedling oriented upward. Fill the hole with top or garden soil and press soil firmly around the base of the seedling. In plantation-making, seedlings should maintain a two-meter distance between seedlings if planted in a row of a three-meter distance from one strip to the next strip.

How to take care of your amugis seedling

Remove grass and other unwanted vegetation and cultivate the soil around the base of the seedling (50 cm radius) once in every quarter for two to three years. Place mulch around the base of the seedling (maintaining the 50 cm radius and using cut grass, leaves and other suitable materials as mulch base). Prune the branches at most 50 percent of the crown depth, preferably during dry season, and ensure that when pruning, you do not injure the bark. Remove infected or infested vegetation nearby to stop plant diseases from spreading and contaminating your seedling. Monitor regularly the growth of the seedling for presence of pests and diseases.

Data about native tree species are featured by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. For suggestions, email [email protected].