Tree of the month (part 1): Dungon

Physical Characteristics

CEBU, Philippines - Dungon is a large tree measuring up to 45 meters in height and 100 centimeters in diameter. It is slightly fluted at the base and has buttresses. Its outer bark is light brown and flaky.

The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-elliptic to ovate.  Each leaf measures 15 x 4-6 centimeters, with base that is subacute to rounded.

The apex is acute to acuminate, glossy green above, grayish scaly beneath, with about seven pairs of lateral nerves. The petiole is two centimeters long.

Flowers rest in axillary, lax, cymose panicles that grow to 13 centimeters long. They are usually shorter than the foliage flower and have slender stalks.

Fruits of the dungon are of samara type. Each is 1-1.5 centimeters long and scaly. A fruit’s wing grows up to two centimeters wide, and its base often has a neck.

Distribution

Dungon is found in forests at low and medium altitudes. It is abundant in Luzon, Mindoro, Masbate, Panay, and Samar.

Traditional use

It is recommended for steamed bentwork where strength and durability are required. Due to the toughness of the wood, it is favored for bulletproof shields.

Contemporary use

The wood is said to be of good quality and used for piling, posts, foundation sills, ties, paving blocks, bridge, wharf and ship building, framing, keels, keelsons, rudders, beams, joists, rafters, hubs, spokes, felloes, axels, capstan bars, tool handles, mallets, and other wooden tools.

How to plant your dungon seedling

Clear the area where you want to plant your seedling from 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 dungon 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 comments and suggestions, e-mail [email protected].