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Palaquium philippense (Perr.) C.B.Rob.

Family Name:	Sapotaceae
Common Name:	Malak-malak

Palaquium philippense , also known as Malak-malak, is a tree endemic to the Philippines that grows up to 25 m tall. Its leaves are green above and yellowish-brown beneath, creating a striking contrast in the canopy when they move in the wind. It produces Nyatoh timber which is used for making furniture, cabinets and cigar boxes and the oil extracted from the seeds is used for cooking and illumination.

Full Sun

Moderate Water

Ornamental Leaves

Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Common Names
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants)
Plant Growth Form	Tree
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Maximum Height	25 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	the Philippines
Native Habitat	Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest)
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical

Local Conservation Status

Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	It is a tree, up to 25 m tall.
Foliage	The leaves are narrowly obovate to spatulate. The upper surface is green, while the lower surface is densely covered with yellowish-brown hairs. This contrast adds colour and texture to the landscape, especially when the leaves sway in the wind.
Flowers	The flowers occur in clusters. Each inflorescence has 4–7 flowers, which are greenish-yellow or greenish-white.

Fruit	The fruit is elliptic, about 3 cm long.
Habitat	It is found in primary rainforests.
Associated Fauna	Flowers are pollinated by insects.
Cultivation	It can be propagated by seed.
Etymology	The genus epithet is derived from the local Philippine name, palak-palak. The specific epithet refers to the Philippines.
Ethnobotanical Uses	Timber & Products: It produces Nyatoh timber which is used for making furniture, cabinets and cigar boxes. Others: Oil extracted from the seeds is used for cooking and illumination.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features	Ornamental Foliage

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s)	Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal	Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun
Water Preference	Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Moderate

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green, Brown
Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Spiral

Foliar Margin

Entire

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Grouping	Cluster / Inflorescence

References

References	Brown, W.H. (1921). Minor Products of Philippine Forests. Bureau of Forestry, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Bulletin 22, volume 2. Pp. 1–410. Manila: Bureau of Printing. Lemmens, R.H.M.J. and Soerianegara, I. (eds). (1993). Plant Resources of South-East Asia Volume 5 (1). Timber trees: Major commercial timbers. Indonesia: Prosea Foundation. 610 pages.

References

Brown, W.H. (1921). Minor Products of Philippine Forests. Bureau of Forestry, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Bulletin 22, volume 2. Pp. 1–410. Manila: Bureau of Printing.
Lemmens, R.H.M.J. and Soerianegara, I. (eds). (1993). Plant Resources of South-East Asia Volume 5 (1). Timber trees: Major commercial timbers. Indonesia: Prosea Foundation. 610 pages.

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Master ID	34523
Species ID	8936
Flora Disclaimer	The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.