Bischofia javanica
BISCHOFIACEAE. Indigenous
SIZE: Up to 35m tall; trunk size 80cm diameter
TYPE: Deciduous
HABITAT: Moist lowland forests and riverbanks
Tuai is a fast-growing native tree that reaches maturity in just ten years. Filipinos value its durable timber for use under water; it is also known as “Bishop Wood” in trade circles. Its young leaves are edible and the reddish brown dye extracted from its inner bark has many uses. When introduced in California and Florida, it was considered an invasive species.