Petersianthus quadrialatus

(Merr.) Merr.

Lecythidaceae Edible: Seeds 11 iNaturalist observations

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Wikimedia Commons - Collector: J. Phasis

Summary

Petersianthus quadrialatus (also called toog and Philippine rosewood) is an emergent tropical rainforest tree species in the Lecythidaceae family. In the Visayas region called kapullan, in the Samar and Leyte areas - magtalisai. It is an indigenous tree species in the southeastern Philippines and one of the largest tree species in the Philippines islands.

Description

A tree. It grows 40-60m tall. It can be 360 m across. The leaves are simple and arranged in spirals. They are broadly oval and 10-16 cm long by 5-8 cm wide. It tapers to the base and are rounded at the tip. The flowers are white. They are 2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The fruit is almost round and has wings. It is 2.3 cm long. The seeds are 6-7 mm long.

Edible Uses

Leaves are medicinal especially in treating skin rashes. Seeds are edible and taste like groundnut. Because its wood is hard and difficult to cut and is as strong as molave (Vitex parviflora), its highly preferred for heavy construction such as bridges, beams, joists, poles, wood piles of wharves and piers, veneer, and plywood, also for door faces and door components like jambs, stops and casing.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 400 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, Philippines, SE Asia,

Other Uses

The heartwood is bright reddish brown, frequently with broad lighter and darker belts; it is clearly demarcated from the 4 - 10cm wide band of whitish sapwood. The texture is rather coarse; the grain fairly straight, sometimes a little crossed. The wood is moderately heavy; moderately hard; very durable, even the sapwood is not attacked by beetles. There is a tendency to warp and check when seasoning if this is not done with care. It can be worked easily with ordinary tools. The wood is used for beams, joists, rafters; posts above stumps; flooring, sheathing, ceiling; furniture and cabinetwork.