Pioneer Tree Species: Their Potential Uses and Harvesting Constraints

Abstract

Commonly growing pioneer tree species (PTS) in the Philippines are characterized in terms of tree size, wood properties, and potential utilization as a guide for selecting possible species for plantation development. Most of the 24 PTS covered in this paper have light colored wood, straight grained with fine to moderately fine texture. The majority also fall under low to moderately low relative density. Recommended end-uses were given per wood density classification. A number of the PTS presented have been commercially utilized even before the 2011 implementation of EO 23, otherwise known as moratorium on timber harvesting in natural-growth forests in the Philippines. These include Malapapaya (Polyscias nodosa) and Gubas (Endospermum peltatum) for making veneered products; and Bagalunga (Melia dubia) for furniture and housing components. These species have been raised in plantations by private companies and community organizations to sustain their raw material supply. Also discussed in this paper are the technical, environmental, and marketing constraints when PTS are harvested from natural-growth forest. A review of the policies on diameter limits for timber harvesting in natural forests is recommended.