Tectona philippinensis
LAMIACEAE. Endemic. Critically endangered
SIZE: Up to 15m tall; trunk size 5cm diameter
TYPE: Deciduous
HABITAT: Luzon with San Juan and Lobo, Batangas as its natural habitat; also found in Iling Island, Mindoro; in thickets and secondary forests at low altitudes.
The tree’s local name, malapangit, does not do it justice. Philippine teak produces a bonanza of bluish to purple/lilac blooms in summer. The tree’s other folk name, malabayabas, is more appropriate because its flaky and thin bark is similar to the guava tree. Its scientific name Tectona refers to the Greek word for carpenter. Teak wood was used to build and repair galleon ships during the Spanish colonial era.