A versatile tropical tree valued for timber, ecological restoration, and ornamental use, commonly found across Southeast Asia including the Philippines.
- Common names: Salingogon (PH), Tembusu merah (MY/ID), Pink Mempat
- Family: Hypericaceae
- Origin: Southeast Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
- Growth habit: Medium to large deciduous tree
- Height: 15–30 meters
Flowers & Ornamental Value
- Produces clusters of pink to reddish flowers, often blooming after leaf shedding
- Attractive for avenue planting, parks, and agroforestry estates
- Adds strong visual contrast when planted with species like Delonix regia (Fire Tree) or Cassia fistula (Golden Shower)
Growth & Blooming
- Fast-growing under tropical conditions
- Blooming age: typically 3–5 years after planting
- Full flowering maturity: 5–7 years
Ecological & Agroforestry Value
- Tolerates poor soils and seasonal drought
- Suitable for:
- Reforestation projects
- Buffer zones and watershed protection
- Mixed agroforestry systems (can be integrated with nitrogen-fixing trees like Erythrina variegata)
Economic Uses
- Timber: Moderately hard wood used for:
- Construction
- Furniture
- Posts and general carpentry
- Fuelwood: Good calorific value
- Traditional uses: Bark and leaves sometimes used in folk medicine
Planting & Propagation
- Propagation methods:
- Seeds (most common)
- Wildlings or nursery-raised seedlings
- Spacing: 3m × 3m to 5m × 5m depending on use
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Adaptable (best in well-drained soils)
Strategic Use in Agroforestry Estates
For your Crown Agroforestry model, Cratoxylum formosum can serve as:
- Mid- to upper-canopy structural tree
- Landscape enhancer for eco-estates
- Soil stabilizer in sloping or marginal lands