Botanical Description
Yemane (Gmelina arborea) also known as Beechwood is a large tree that can reach up to 30 m in height with a smooth grey to reddish brown bark littered with lenticels. Its leaves are simple and are ovate in shape arranged in the distinct opposite phyllotaxy observed in other taxa under Lamiaceae with each opposing set of leaves being decussate, there are also 2 glands located near the base of each leaf. Flowers borne on panicles, 5 lobed yellow and brown flowers with a pronounced lower lobe. The flowers eventually develop into a yellow fruit at maturity with a bittersweet taste
⚠️ Invasive Status:
Swietenia macrophylla is considered an invasive species in the Philippines. Though introduced for timber it has spread aggressively throughout in some forest ecosystems, competing with native flora.
Uses:
Traditional and Practical Uses
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Timber:
The wood of the tree is sought after due to its quality and is used for construction as well as making furniture and instruments. The tree is also farmed for its pulp which is used for paper and cardboard production.
Traditional and Folk Medicine:
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The leaves are supposedly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as coughs, gonorrhea, ulcers, fevers, indigestion, and epilepsy.
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The fruit is edible with a supposed bittersweet flavor, the fruit can also be used to make a decoction that helps with managing fevers.