Xanthostemon verdugonianus
MYRTACEAE. Endemic. Endangered
SIZE: Up tom 25m tall; trunk size 80cm diameter
TYPE: Evergreen
HABITAT: Very limited habitat mainly Dinagat Island, Surigao, Homonhon Island in Samar, Leyte, Palawan and Sibuyan; usually near seashores in ultramafic soil.
The mangkono is described as nature’s superstar for its lovely red and white flowers. It is known as the Philippines “ironwood” for its luxurious timber of extraordinary density. It attains a 7cm diameter after only ten years. It grows best in soil where minerals like copper and nickel are present. Mangkono wood sinks is water and is immune from termites.