Toona calantas is a species of tree that is a part of the mahogany family. It is found in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. We also known it as kalantas, lanipga, Philippine cedar, or Philippine mahogany. It is a large forest tree that can grow up to 25m tall with a diameter of 100cm. The trunk is round and straight. Leaves are odd-pinnate, alternate or spiral, often clustered at ends of twigs.
Kalantas is commonly found in forest hills and in primary forests at low and medium altitudes. It favors deep, well-drained soils. But, Kalantas tree grows in light, medium, and heavy soils. It grows best in rainy season. Kalantas trees are adaptable to different weather conditions in tropical regions. It even has a high tolerance to drought and grows well in full sun in exposed situations.
Kalantas trees provide premium quality wood. It is very soft in sculpting and easily be modified yet sturdy. It is high resistant to decay even when fully exposed to the weather clear of the ground and well drained with free air circulation. Kalantas wood is used in manufacturing high-quality cigar boxes. Also used for decorations such as timber veneers, paneling, joinery and furniture. Also used for boats, piano cases and carving.
Kalantas trees are under the threat of habitat loss. DENR has now categorized it as “critically endangered” species. Its existence has now depleted due to logging and kaingin. This noble tree has provided us with many things, from furniture to shelter. But, with our current treatment of their kind, there might be no more kalantas tree to provide the needs of the next generations.