Strombosia philippinensis
OLACACEAE. Indigenous
SIZE: Up to 30m tall; trunk size 70 cm diameter
TYPE: Evergreen
HABITAT: Luzon, Catanduanes, Mindoro, Sibuyan, Leyte, Mindanao; in forests at low and medium altitudes
Tamayuan produces a heavy wood used for posts, joists and rafters, mining props, railway ties and ax handles. Indeed, tamayuan has helped build this country! Its fruit is shaped like a toy top; hence the Greek name Strombosia. The pulp of the fruit is eaten raw, mostly by rats which help to propagate its seeds.