Toog tree, with the trade name "Philippine Rosewood', is a tree native to the Philippines. It can grow at the heights of 40 to 60 m tall and 100 to 250 cm in diameter. This colossal tree can have two meters high buttresses at its base giving it better foundation.
It is endemic in the Philippines and can be found in Agusan, Surigao, Davao del Norte, Leyte, Samar, Negros and Masbate. Some grow in Laguna, Sorsogon and Bataan. It grows at elevations 400 m above sea level and thrives in primary forests that have evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. Although it is classified as not threatened, Toog tree is still in danger of habitat destruction imposed by kaingin-making and illegal logging.
Toog tree is a prolific seeder and spreads through seed propagation. Natural regeneration for the tree is very scarce but it coppices easily. The seed does not have a long shelf life so it should be planted as soon as possible. Its flowering pattern can be random as it can be triggered by sudden temperature changes. This makes them susceptible to the changes brought by climate change. Increase in global temperature might offset the flowering pattern that would not be suitable for the tree’s survival.
The Toog tree located along Maharlika Highway at Brgy. Alegria is the tallest and the largest tree in the Philippines. It stands at 65 m and spans 360 cm in diameter. It is estimated to be around 300 years old. It has a decay in its lower trunk which causes it to lean. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) marked the tree as a hazard to motorists and commuters and agreed to cut it down. Residents, local officials, and environmental advocates protested against the decision. The tree is covered by laws on tree preservation.
Due to the enormous size of the Toog tree, it plays a big role in the ecosystem. It gives shelter to birds and insects. Big trees also have deep root systems which hold the soil to prevent erosion. Toog tree grows near riverbanks and on hillsides. This allowed them to adapt to root systems that can lessen occurrence of erosion.
Other than its environmental properties, it also has infrastructural importance. The wood of Toog is comparable to that of akle, molave, and ipil in terms of strength. It can be used for general construction materials such as doors, beams, bridge building, poles, and vehicle bodies. It can also be used for the production of veneers, plywoods and papers. With such high quality, it is recognized both in local and world markets as the “Philippine Rosewood”. In spite of being a global product, it is considered as a vanishing timber. This vanishing timber might totally vanish in the future due to anthropological activities if we don’t proactively work our ways to flourish these marvelous trees to help it proliferate in the future.