Every sovereign nation, like the Philippines, evokes an image that radiates a convoluting symbolism that promotes its very existence in our world. These symbols are the lifeblood of the statehood and an important factor promoting unity and nationalism among its people.
The Philippines, throughout the course of history, have collected its share of symbols and images that helped defined the archipelago as a unified state.
One of the more famous symbols that represents the strength of the Philippines as one whole nation is also officially known as the ‘National Tree of the Philippines’ (Pambansang Puno ng Pilipinas) – Narra.
Narra, also known as Agaña (Scientific Name, Pterocarpus indicus) is classified as a type of red hardwood tree species which grows up to 33 meters high and 2 meters thick. The leaves produced by a Narra tree are mostly long and oblong shaped. The flowers of a Narra tree have that pleasant fragrant and sweet odor and are yellowish in color and blooms abundantly during its reproductive season (from February to May).
The Narra trees are usually found in the Philippine rainforests scattered all over the islands. It grows mostly on the lowland regions of the country but it is not endemic to the Philippines. There are also Narra trees found in other parts of the Southeast Asian region namely; Indonesia (known as Angsana or Sena), Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia (Tnug).
Narra trees are mostly utilized by Filipinos as a good source of timber wood. A seasoned Narra wood is valued for its durability and strength which is usually converted as floorings, ceilings, and foundations for building houses. It is also made into handicrafts, furnitures, and other wood based products by wood sculptors and craftsmen.
The flowers of a Narra tree are also a good source of honey for bees. Just like its flowers, the leaves of the Narra tree are also harvested due to its medicinal properties (cures toothaches, stomach aches, bladder problems, skin disease etc.).