ANGSANA (Pterocarpus Indicus)
Originating from South East Asia, the Angsana is from the plant family Leguminosae. It also goes by other common names including Sena & Narra. A large handsome tree that can grow to 30-40 meters, the Angsana has a widespread, dense, dome like crown of long, weeping branches and makes a popular shade and roadside trees. It is easily grown from cuttings and widely propagated as an instant tree due to its fast growth and ease of transplanting during the early days of greening Singapore campaign. However in the 1980’s, a fungal disease almost wiped out most of these instant trees.
Leaves are long, pinnate and with 5-11 leaflets. It has numerous small and yellowish slightly fragrant flowers that only last a few days. Parts of the tree may flower at a time and seldom the entire crown. It has small circular and winged pod fruits that are flattened and roundish in outline. Each greenish fruit contains a pair of seeds but does not split open on maturity. It becomes brown when dry.
Its hardwood is yellow, red or white and is termite resistant. It has a rose-like fragrance and is often made into fine furniture and cabinets. It is a source of kino or resin and in traditional medicine, the leaves are used to combat tumors.
Do you know… the Angsana is the national tree of the Philippines
Leaves are long, pinnate and with 5-11 leaflets. It has numerous small and yellowish slightly fragrant flowers that only last a few days. Parts of the tree may flower at a time and seldom the entire crown. It has small circular and winged pod fruits that are flattened and roundish in outline. Each greenish fruit contains a pair of seeds but does not split open on maturity. It becomes brown when dry.
Its hardwood is yellow, red or white and is termite resistant. It has a rose-like fragrance and is often made into fine furniture and cabinets. It is a source of kino or resin and in traditional medicine, the leaves are used to combat tumors.
Do you know… the Angsana is the national tree of the Philippines