Philippine Mahogany

Very little information is available about the biology of the Philippine mahogany. Flowering occurs between March and April and the tree bears fruits between June and July (2).

Despite being Critically Endangered, it is not clear whether any conservation measures exist for this species.

This large, highly threatened tree has elliptical, papery, wavy leaves that measure up to 16 centimetres long and 7 centimetres wide. The bark can be almost smooth on young trees, but as the tree ages, furrows develop, which deepen as time passes. The inner bark is light brown to yellowish and has a slightly stringy texture. The fruit of the Philippine mahogany is almost spherical, about one centimetre across, and densely covered with short, soft hairs (2).

The Philippine mahogany grows on hills at low altitudes, in primary, mixed dipterocarp forest (2) (3).

Occurs in the Philippines and in Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia (3).

Classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List 2007 (1).

The Philippine mahogany has become depleted due to logging and slash-and-burn farming (2). The moderately hard and comparatively light timber is in great demand for plywood (2) (3), and is also used for furniture, boat decking and for many other purposes (2).

Shorea almon (called, along with some other species in the genus Shorea, light red meranti, Philippine mahogany, or white lauan) is a species of plant in the family Dipterocarpaceae. It is native to Borneo and the Philippines.