Salinggogon scientifically known as Cratoxylum formosum (Jack) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Dyer is a native tree of the Philippines. It belongs to the Hypericaceae family or to the St. John’s wort family. The genus Cratoxylum is derived from the Greek words kratos, meaning “strength” and xulong, meaning “wood.” The species name formosum is derived from the Latin word formosus, meaning “beautiful or handsome” referring to its attractive flowers. Known for its sturdy wood and lovely blooms, Salinggogon is a notable part of the country’s native forests.
This tree is a perennial and deciduous species, meaning it lives for many years and sheds its leaves seasonally. It is small to medium in size, but can grow quite tall—up to 45 meters. You can often find it in both primary (untouched) and secondary (regrowing) lowland forests. It has grayish-brown bark that’s somewhat flaky, and its trunk can be slightly grooved (fluted), growing up to 65 cm wide.
Its leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. They are oval to elliptical in shape and can feel either soft and fleshy or thin like paper. When young, the leaves are a reddish-pink color, which gradually turns green as they mature.
Salinggogon produces small pink flowers that grow where the leaves used to be (axil), often found along bare twigs. Its fruits are capsule-like and naturally split open when mature to releases the seeds. This helps the plant spread and grow in new places.
Salinggogon has many practical and traditional uses: 1) Ornamental plant – Its cherry blossom-like pink flowers make it a popular choice for gardens and decoration, 2) Wood uses – Its wood is valued for carving, furniture, poles, turnery, and even house construction, 3) Culinary use – the plant are used as an ingredient in traditional dishes in Laos and Vietnam and as the main ingredient in a herbal drink called bitter nail tea in China, 4) Vegetable – The fresh young leaves are eaten as vegetables in Thai and Lao cuisine, 5) Traditional medicine – The plant is used in folk remedies, especially for treating stomach pain (colic), and 6) Skin treatments – The bark resin helps relieve itchiness and a pounded mix of bark and leaves with coconut oil is applied to various skin problems.
For more information, you may view this video link: Salinggogon
By: AALimpiada and ACMalayba