Tabon-tabon is the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) Plant of the Month (POM) for July 2021. The tabon-tabon or scientifically known as Atuna racemosa Rafin. belongs to the family Chrysobalanaceae.
It is usually found in lowland forest areas and widely distributed in Thailand to the Pacific Islands, Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, Moluccas, Philippines, New Guinea, and New Britain. It has an average height of 45 meters and a diameter of 35 centimeters at breast height.
The fruits of tabon-tabon are traditionally used in preparing kinilaw – a local dish of raw fish or meat in vinegar or citrus juice.
Come, visit and explore MBG soon and see it for yourself! Stay safe!
by: Angela A. Limpiada and Analyn C. Malayba