Diplodiscus paniculatus (PROSEA)

Plant Resources of South-East Asia Introduction

List of species

Diplodiscus paniculatus Turcz.

Family: Tiliaceae

Vernacular names

• Philippines: balobo.

Distribution

A monotypic and endemic genus in the Philippines, where it is very common and widely distributed.

Uses

Seeds are eaten boiled. The bark is used for making rope. The wood is used for light construction and household utensils.

Observations

• Tree, up to 20 m tall and 80 cm in diameter, with irregular trunk and buttressed base.
• Fruit a subglobose capsule, about 2 cm in diameter, somewhat ridged longitudinally, in large compound infructescenses.

Seeds are rich in starch. In primary and secondary forests at low and medium altitudes; sometimes it is the most numerous understorey tree.

Selected sources

• Brown, W.H., 1951-1957. Useful plants of the Philippines. Reprint of the 1941-1943 ed. 3 Volumes. Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Technical Bulletin 10. Bureau of Printing, Manila, the Philippines.

• Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna, (various editors), 1986. Vol. 1-4. Natural Resources Management Center, Ministry of Natural Resources & University of the Philippines, Manila, the Philippines.

• Merrill, E.D., 1923 1925. An enumeration of Philippine flowering plants. 4 Volumes. Government of the Philippine Islands, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bureau of Printing, Manila.

Authors

P.C.M. Jansen, J. Jukema, L.P.A. Oyen, T.G. van Lingen