The genus Toona is composed of only a few species, but phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation are responsible for much of the taxonomic complexity reflected in the literature. The species exhibit a phenomenal range of morphological variation, both within and between trees of the same population, and many of the features used by earlier authors to define their taxa have proved to be only slight morphological variants[].

Common Name:

General Information

Toona calantas is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall. The bole can be up to 150cm in diameter with low buttresses[, , ].
One of the most important timber species in the Philippines, the tree is harvested from the wild on a large scale. The tree is also commonly used in traditional medicine.
Toona calantas is an important timber tree species. The full species range still requires confirmation but in this report the species is considered endemic to the Philippines. Within the Philippines the species population is scattered and it is threatened by logging and the conversion of land to agriculture. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - ?Malaya, Philippines

Habitat

Primary rainfores and seasonally dry forest, usually on hills at low to medium elevations[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m

Cultivation Details

Toona calantas is native of the moist to wet tropics where it is found at low to medium elevations[].
Young trees require some protection from direct sun, but become more light demanding as they grow older[]. Prefers a rich, deep, water-retentive soil[]. Does not do well on wet, compacted or poor sandy ones[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 7.5[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is astringent and antiseptic. A decoction is used as a wash for cleansing wounds. The powdered bark is dusted over gangrenous ulcers[, , ].

A decoction of the flowers is used as an antispasmodic[].

The bark and flowers are used in traditional medicine, due to their astringent, antiseptic and antispasmodic properties[, ].

The wood contains 0.3 - 1.2 % essential oil; caninene is one of the principal constituents[].
A study yielded three new norlimonoids, toonaciliatins A, F, and G; four new limonoids and five known compounds[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is reddish brown, it is rather sharply demarcated from the narrow band of pale red sapwood. The grain is generally very straight; the texture fine or moderately coarse, smooth; there is a strong and lasting odour exactly like Spanish cedar. The wood is soft, light in weight, moderately durable, the heartwood is practically never attacked by insects when seasoned, though living trees are sometimes attacked by borers. It seasons well, except that thick planks are liable to internal checking if not carefully seasoned. The wood isof high quality and very easy to work, it is particularly favoured in the manufacture of cigar boxes, pianos, furniture, boat building, panelling, joinery etc., and is also used for decorative applications such as timber veneers. It is a good wood for carving[, ].

The only native wood used in Manila for high-grade cigar boxes; also the only wood used by a local factory for piano cases and all internal parts of pianos except the (imported) mechanism; a favorite, on account of its lightness, ease of working and durability, for dugout canoes; also sheathing and ceiling, carving and sculpture; paddles and light oars; automobile mud guards; wardrobes and clothes chests; boats and small launches; ship's cabin finish[].

Propagation

Seed - germinates quicker and better under shade[]. It should be broadcast thinly on raised and shaded nursery beds soon after collection[]. Germination takes 8 - 15 days and fresh seed has a germination rate of 50 - 80%[].
Natural regeneration is profuse even in areas outside its natural range. Good natural reproduction can be induced by clearing the ground in the vicinity of seed bearers[].

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