Known for its multicolored trunk, Bagras is a Philippine native tree that is popular for its ornamental use. It is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can grow to more than 35 feet high on its first 2 years. The trunk texture is usually smooth but sheds into different colors from brown, purple, blue, orange, and green.
Young leaves are reddish color and mature into green and arranged opposite to each other. Its white flowers grow in clusters and attract insects.
Other popular names include, rainbow eucalyptus, rainbow gum, and Mindanao gum.
Binomial/Scientific Name:
Eucalyptus deglupta
Origin:
Found in lowland primary forests. Aside from the Philippines, it is also found in Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.
Height:
Can grow up to more than 190 ft tall.
Propagation:
Seeds
Mature fruits are dark brown in color and as small as 2mm. Mature seed is flat with a little wing.
Found in:
Montane and lowland rainforests from sea.
Usage:
Fiber
Used for paper production.
Medicinal
Crushed leaves are used as deodorant. Leaves can also be used as tea for cough and asthma.
Ornamental
Its main feature is its bark that changes in color over time.
Cultivation:
Needs full sun and grows well in rich to semi-rich soil. It cannot tolerate frost.