Narra (Pterocarpus indicus)
1. Can withstand strong winds, stem and branch breaking, and uprooting because of its extensive rooting system and strong wood properties.
2. Native to the Philippines.
The narra (Pterocarpus indicus) of the Fabaceae family.
Declared as one of the Philippines’ National Symbols per Proclamation No. 652 s. 1934, narra is a durable and robust tree that survives even when planted in an open and infertile area. It beautifully blossoms with yellow flowers that cover its crown. It symbolizes the resilient character of Filipinos who withstand and recover from any adversity.
Narra is a deciduous tree, meaning they lose or shed its leaves on a specific part of the year. They can grow to 25-35 meters and are commonly found in well-drained, sandy loam soil, along gullies and stream banks.
Its beautiful and richly-colored timber is used for furniture making. Aside from its superior wood quality, its leaves and bark are used to treat various ailments like dysmenorrhea, headache, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. In the Philippines, these are usually boiled and taken as tea. They are rich in nutrients and chemical compounds possessing antibacterial, antifungal, and diuretic properties.
You may want to read: