The Strength of Narra One of the solidest tree in the world is a tree widely known as Narra and grows densely in the Philippines. Its scientific name is the Pterocarpus. It is also known in other countries as the New Guinea Rosewood or Malay Paduak. Others call it Pashu Padauk. Among other countries aside from Philippines, the Narra is also found in Indonesia, China, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. The tree grows up from thirty up to forty meters high. It has a trunk with an average of two meters in diameter. It is a deciduous tree that is very large in structure. Its leaves are usually 12-22 centimeters long. The pinnate has 5 up to 11 leaflets with a girth that is 12 to 34 meters wide. The flowers of the narra grows in panicles which is 6 to 13 centimeters long. This panicle contains fe to some flowers. The months of the flowering of the Narra depends on the country where it grows. In Philippines the flowering takes place starting from February to May. The flowers are fragrant but only slightly. The normal color is yellow or sometimes orange-yellow. The flowers of Narra also grows fruits that are semiorbicular pods of 2 to 3 cm in diameter. They are surrounded by flat wings which are 4-6 cm in diameter. These wing-like figures helps in the dispersals of the wind. The Narra is considered as one of the national symbols of the Philippines. This is due to its variety in terms of uses and aids in the daily lives of the people. The constituents of the tree is known to yield "kino" which contains kinotannic acid. The woods are also known to yield othe constituents such as narrin, santalin and angolensin. The Narra is notable for its swiftness in growth and its strength in terms of hardness. It is the top hardest tree in the Philippines. Aside from that, it can grow well regardless if its planted on bottom lands. It is also remarkable for being less vulnerable to pests and diseases compared to other trees. There are some parts of Narra that are edible too. Its leaves and flowers are one of the examples. Also, the flowers have been reported as being a good source for honey. Aside from being edible, the narra tree offers medicinal aid to help heal diseases and other daily needs. For example, the infusion of its leaf can be used for making shampoo. It can also be used for treating diarrhea, stones, dropsy, sores and ailments in the bladder. In other cases, the leaves of the Narra tree when they are still young can be boiled and used on boils, ulcers and prickly heat. The decoction of it can be used as aid for sore throats, as astringents or as mouthwash to treat toothaches. Bladder stones and dropsy can be dissolved too by the decoction of its leaves. Other benefits of the Narra can be taken from its resin which is a "kino" which can be used for the treatment of chronic diarrhea and hemorrhages. The strength of the Narra tree is not only found in the physical structure of its body but also in the gentler parts which consists of the flowers and its leaves and fruits.
Posted on: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 22:58:21 +0000