Narra Tree: 5 Fascinating Facts

Did you know that the narra tree is more than just a symbol of beauty? This majestic tree holds secrets of strength and sustainability that few people know about. Whether you’ve strolled under its shade in the Philippines or seen its striking yellow blooms, the narra tree stands out for its many roles and significance. Let’s explore why this tree is so beloved and what it offers to our world.

The narra tree is a grand tropical legume prized for its golden blooms, strong wood, and cultural value. This guide covers identification, uses, care, laws, and why people across Asia value the narra tree.

Quick overview: the narra tree

Botanical profile

Botanically, the narra tree is Pterocarpus indicus, a Fabaceae species that produces winged pods. It’s also called Philippine mahogany in trade, though it’s a legume, not a true mahogany wood.

Genus name “Pterocarpus” means “winged fruit,” a nod to its flat samaras that ride wind to spread seed. The tree can be semi-deciduous or evergreen depending on local rainfall.

Size and leaves

Mature narra often reaches 25–35 m tall with thick trunks up to about 2 m in diameter. Leaves are pinnate with 5–11 leaflets and total lengths roughly 12–22 cm, giving the crown a dense, domed look.

Range and habitats

Narra grows across Southeast Asia including the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea. It thrives in warm coastal plains, river valleys, and lowland forests with sun and well-drained soils (Pterocarpus indicus — Wikipedia).

Pterocarpus forms

Two forms appear in references: forma indicus (smooth fruit) and forma echinatus (short-prickled fruit). Some botanists keep them under one species because differences are small across the range (Pterocarpus indicus — Wikipedia).

Growth and care

Narra grows fast in heat, so it suits urban planting and reforestation. Give it full sun, space for roots, and pruning in youth to train a strong scaffold.

• Pick a sunny site with good drainage; avoid compacted, waterlogged spots.
• Water deeply the first dry seasons; mulch 5–8 cm to keep soil moist.
• Stake only if windy; remove stakes once the trunk stands steady.
• Prune crossing limbs in late dry season to set a clear central leader.
• Inspect for borers; remove dead twigs to reduce pest entry points.

Cascara tree vs narra

The cascara tree (Rhamnus purshiana) from North America differs from narra in looks, family, and uses. Cascara is a small buckthorn valued for laxative bark, while narra is a large legume grown for timber, shade, and flowers.

Tree	Main regions	Key uses	Notes
Narra (Pterocarpus indicus)	SE Asia	Timber, shade, ornaments	Reddish wood, yellow blooms, nitrogen-fixing
Cascara (Rhamnus purshiana)	Pacific NW, NA	Medicinal bark	Smaller tree, unrelated to narra

Narra tree savannah

In open tropical grasslands, a “narra tree savannah” planting can stabilize soils and add shade. Spaced individuals or clusters break wind, feed pollinators, and provide seed pods for wildlife while leaving room for grasses or crops.

1) National symbol and pride

Narra tree Philippines

The narra tree Philippines story is both cultural and historic. Since 1934 it has stood as the national tree, a living emblem seen in public spaces and ceremonies across the archipelago.

Declared the national tree in 1934, narra symbolizes the Filipino people’s resilience and pride.

UST Manila tree inventory — Narra

Strength and resilience

People link narra’s tough, reddish wood with strength and endurance. Many communities celebrate the tree in rites that honor perseverance and independence.

Schools and parks

Schools and parks plant narra for shade, symbolism, and education. Labels, student clean-ups, and flower-watching days make the species part of daily life.

2) Exceptional timber qualities

Reddish durable wood

Narra heartwood runs from warm red to reddish-brown, often with a sweet scent. The wood resists termites, holds fasteners well, and finishes to a rich glow (Pterocarpus indicus — Kiddle).

For buyers comparing tropical hardwoods, narra sits alongside African mahogany and Brazilian rosewood in premium applications. Clear, straight-grain boards suit long panels, while figured pieces shine in accents and fronts.

Furniture and veneer

Cabinetmakers prize narra for furniture, flooring, doors, and high-grade veneer. Pre-drill screw holes, use sharp cutters, and consider oil or shellac to highlight chatoyance.

Boats and instruments

Coastal builders value narra in boats and trim thanks to its durability in tropical conditions. Luthiers and makers of marimba keys also use select pieces for tone and stability.

Burl wood value

Narra burl shows swirling figure that commands premium prices in tabletops and turned art. Ask for documented origin and sustainable sourcing; rare pieces often sell fast

3) Ecosystem contributions

Nitrogen fixer

Narra forms symbioses that fix nitrogen, improving soils for nearby plants. This boosts fertility in farms, parks, and restored sites (UST Manila tree inventory — Narra).

Urban shade

Broad crowns cast deep, cool shade across streets and courtyards. Plant along avenues with 8–12 m spacing to let canopies spread without conflict.

Agroforestry roles

In agroforestry, farmers interplant narra with cacao, coffee, or fodder grasses. The tree offers light shade, leaf litter for mulch, and timber as a long-term savings account.

Bee-friendly blossoms

Abundant yellow flowers feed native bees and boost honey flows. Place hives 100–300 m from mature trees and time harvests to peak bloom in the dry spell.

4) Brilliant blooms

Yellow flower display

Narra erupts with masses of yellow flowers after leaf drop, creating showy canopies that light up streets. Dry-season flushes are common; pruning and sun exposure help trigger abundant bloom.

Biodiversity support

Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and urban birds seeking nectar and insects. Seed pods add seasonal food for wildlife, expanding the value of green corridors.

5) Medicine and research

Folk remedies

Communities use bark decoctions and leaf rinses as home remedies, and leaf infusions as shampoo. Resin finds occasional use in crafts and traditional preparations.

Flavonoid antioxidants

Leaves carry flavonoids with reported anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity in preliminary studies. Extract strength varies by season and location, so potency can differ batch to batch.

Evidence and safety

Herbal use deserves care: discuss supplements with a health professional, watch for allergies, and avoid mixing with medications without advice. For growers, keep children and pets from chewing fresh bark or pods.

Conservation and legal status

Protected designation

Narra suffered from heavy logging, leading to stronger protections in range countries. Many cities inventory mature specimens and treat them as heritage trees.

Cutting permits

In the Philippines, cutting or transporting narra usually needs a government permit. Always check current local rules before any removal or commercial use (Pterocarpus indicus — Wikipedia).

Angsana wilt threat

Singapore reported major losses from Angsana Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum, spread by wood-boring beetles. Quick removal of infected trees and sanitation cut re-infection risks (Pterocarpus indicus — Wikipedia).

Resistant selections

City arborists now favor resistant selections and diverse street plantings to avoid single-species failures. Choose stock from vetted, wilt-free mother trees and plant mixed avenues with other durable species like African padauk wood relatives where suitable.

Tree-inspired gifts and decor

If you like tree motifs or need a quick gift, these nature-themed picks fit desks, mantels, and small spaces.

For more context on premium timbers linked in this guide, scan our quick primers on sapele wood and related species. These pages help you compare color, grain, and use-cases before you buy.

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