Yakal-saplungan (Hopea plagata) is another less well-known member of the family of Dipterocarpaceae. The wood of this tree is considered one of the finest and hardest of the Dipterocarps. It is used for purposes requiring strength and durability. Yakal-saplungan can reach a height of more than 50 meters and a diameter of 180 centimeters at full maturity.

Unfortunately, overexploitation and uncontrolled land conversion resulted in the decline of the species’ population and according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, Yakal-saplungan is considered an indigenous and critically endangered species.

On August 23, 2023, an information from DENR IV-A Regional Executive Director was received by PENRO Batangas and CENRO Lipa and in through coordination with Ms. Cecile Cudia, owner of plantation located at Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, an approximately one (1) sack of winged seeds Yakal-saplungan were donated to the Office, CENRO Lipa, thru the Conservation and Development Section, initiated an action for the opportunity to propagate the said rare species.

As of this date, CENRO Lipa City has approximately 2000 species of Yakal-Saplungan seedlings which can be found at the forest nursery of the Office located at Brgy. Malabanan, Balete, Batangas.###

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Photo Releases
Published: 11 October 2023