This is just a basic introduction to almon tree (Shorea almon) one of the native tree in the Philippines

1. Shorea almon
Family Name: Dipterocarpaceae
RISGIL MAY T. SALCE
BSF-2B

2. Taxonomy and Scientific Classification

3. Distribution
Almon can be found in non-seasonal parts of the country, in
primary forests, and in well-drained soils, varying from gentle
to medium-steep slopes at low altitudes. It is found in
association with apitong and white lauan. The tree is also
found in Southeast Asia- Malaysia and Philippines, Luzon
(Quezon, Camarines, Albay, Sorsogon), Negros, Samar, Leyte,
Mindanao (Surigao, Agusan, Bukidnon, Davao, Misamis,
Lanao, Zamboanga), and Basilan.

4. Habitat and Morphology
Almon is a large tree; it reaches up to 50 to 70 meters in height and is
about 160 centimeters in diameter. The bole is straight, almost
cylindrical, reaching a length of about 60 meters. Its buttress is rather
prominent in old almon trees. The flowers are attached directly to the
branches or stem growing in cluster. The crown is about 1/3 to ½ length
of the bole. It is widespreading, flat, and irregular in shape but rather
sturdy and compact. Wood Color: pinkish-white; Texture: medium;
Grain: interlocked

5. Habitat and Morphology
Almon respnds and develop most vigorously when exposed to full
sunlight. It growths show strong desire for light.
The bark is about 15 milimeters in thickness and usually ridge. The bark
looks darker in old trees and once exposed to strong light, it becomes
lighter in colour.
The leaves are from eight to 18 cm long and three to eight and a half
centimeters wide. They are simple, alternate, elliptic to oblong. A leaf is
usually concave and rounded at the center base, generally thin and
papery.

6. Habitat and Morphology

7. Conservation Status

8. Conservation Status
Almon tree has become critically endangered tree plant since it is
capable of many uses most especially for funitures, exterior & interior
panelling, light carpentry and many more.

9. Uses
Almon is used for cabinet making, furniture,
or interior trim, packing boxes, flooring,
crates, utensils, mining timbers, and general
construction. The wood is excellent in boat
planking because the vessel of the wood’s
tissues is plugged up with tylosis (small holes
in the wood are full of deposits, thus
inhibiting the passage of water). It is in great
demand for plywood and both rotary and
sliced veneer. Wood has beautiful ‘ribbon’
figures. The timber is used as red meranti
and is in great demand for plywood. In the
Philippines it is sometimes traded separately
as almon timber. It is reported that wood
extractives are tumour-inhibiting.

10. References
• www-philstar-com.cdn.ampproject.org.
• www.iucnredlist.org
• www.tropical.theferns.info