Why is Magkono Wood so Popular?

April 13, 2024 by Lauro Braganza

In a world where sustainability and environmental consciousness are becoming increasingly important, the magkono tree has gained significant attention for its remarkable durability and versatility. Known as the Iron Wood or Philippine Ebony, it is no surprise that this native tree of the Philippines has become an essential part of sustainable agriculture. With unparalleled strength and beauty, Magkono wood has captured the hearts of many artisans, builders, and designers worldwide. So why exactly is magkono wood so popular? Let’s dive into its unique characteristics to find out!

What is Magkono Tree

Magkono tree, also sometimes spelled magkuno, commonly known as Ironwood or Philippine Ebony, is a native species of the Philippines. It is widely recognized for its remarkable durability and strength, making it one of the most sought-after types of wood today. The scientific name of Magkono tree is Xanthostemon verdugonianus.

This majestic tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and reach a diameter of up to 2 meters. Its leaves are glossy green and leathery, while its flowers bloom into bright red-orange clusters that attract various pollinators, such as bees and birds.

magkono-wood — Table and chairs made of magkono wood

The Magkono Tree has been significant in Philippine culture for centuries. The indigenous people believed that spirits resided in these trees, which is why they are considered sacred among many tribes.

Aside from being culturally valuable, this remarkable tree also plays an essential ecological role by providing habitats for various wildlife species like bats and birds and preventing soil erosion through its extensive root systems.

Where Magkono Trees Can Be Found

Magkuno trees can be found in various parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. These magnificent and sturdy trees are native to the tropical forests in the region and can grow up to 40 meters in height and one meter in diameter.

In the Philippines, magkono trees are commonly seen growing in primary and secondary forests at altitudes ranging from sea level to 1,500 meters above it. They prefer well-drained soils such as those found on hillsides or ridges but they can tolerate different types of soil conditions as long as there is enough moisture available.

Palawan, Bicol, Mindanao Island, and Samar Island are natural habitats where magkono trees thrive. In these areas, where sustainable agriculture practices have been implemented over time for conservation purposes, magkono trees continue to flourish under careful management.

Unfortunately, though, due to illegal logging activities combined with habitat destruction and fragmentation by humans through infrastructure development projects such as mining operations or road construction works, some populations have experienced drastic declines, jeopardizing their future survival.

However, efforts by government agencies and concerned groups to implement protection measures that promote sustainable forestry practices underscore why this tree species remains so popular today.

Current Status of Magkono Trees in the Philippines

Due to deforestation and illegal logging activities in recent years, the population of magkono trees has been declining rapidly. As a result, they have been listed as critically endangered under Philippine law.

The lack of regulations on sustainable agriculture practices has made it difficult to protect these valuable resources from being overexploited. In addition to this challenge, magkono wood is highly prized for its hardness and durability, which makes it perfect for heavy construction use.

Efforts from various organizations such as DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) have implemented strict measures to protect these precious trees from extinction. They have started reforestation programs that focus on planting more magkuno trees within protected areas where they can thrive without human intervention.

We must continue implementing protective measures since magkono wood plays an important role not just ecologically but economically too. With proper care towards our environment, there’s hope for future generations to enjoy the benefits of magkono trees while maintaining a balance between economic development and conservation efforts.

Magkono Wood Hardness

Magkono wood is known for its impressive hardness, making it a popular choice among furniture makers and construction workers. The Janka hardness test revealed that magkono is one of the hardest woods in the world, with a rating of 3,840 lbf (pounds-force). This means it can withstand significant wear and tear without showing damage or wear.

The high hardness level of magkuno wood also makes it incredibly durable. It has a natural resistance to rotting and insect infestation, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. Additionally, its strength allows it to support heavy weights without cracking or breaking.

Despite its exceptional durability and strength, working with magkono wood can pose challenges due to its extreme density. It requires sharp tools and skilled craftsmanship to accurately shape this wood into desired shapes. However, once done correctly by experienced hands, the results are stunningly beautiful pieces that will last a lifetime.

Magkono’s incredible hardness sets it apart from other types of timber available today. Its resistance to decay also ensures long-lasting beauty while requiring little maintenance over time.

Magkono Wood Application and Uses

One of the most common uses of magkono wood is in producing outdoor furniture like benches, tables, and chairs. Due to its high resistance to decay and insects, it’s also used to create structural beams and posts.

The wood’s natural beauty makes it perfect for decorative purposes as well. Many choose magkono wood flooring or wall paneling because its rich reddish-brown color adds warmth and elegance to any space.

Another application where magkono excels is in marine construction. The wood’s ability to resist saltwater corrosion makes it an excellent material choice for docks, piers, boat decks, and even shipbuilding.

Aside from these applications mentioned above, magkono can also be used in the manufacturing of musical instruments like guitars or drums due to its excellent tonal qualities.

Magkono Wood’s versatility makes it one of the most sought-after hardwoods globally; therefore, sustainable agriculture practices should always protect them from exploitation while supporting their commercial usage.

Magkono Challenges

Despite the popularity of Magkono wood, there are still many challenges that come with its production and use. One of the biggest challenges is the limited availability of magkono trees in the Philippines. Due to deforestation and illegal logging practices, these native trees have become scarce.

Another challenge is the difficulty harvesting and processing magkono wood due to its extreme hardness. This makes it labor-intensive and time-consuming for workers to produce high-quality lumber from these trees.

In addition, because of its rarity and high demand, magkono wood can be pretty expensive compared to other types of lumber. This can make it difficult for artists, furniture makers, or builders who want to work with this type of wood but cannot afford it.

A board-foot of magkono lumber can cost between P150 to P250 and sometimes can be more expensive than Narra and other hardwoods like Kamagong and Mulawin depending on the availability.

Sustainable agriculture practices must be implemented when cultivating new crops and producing Magkono wood products. This ensures that we do not deplete our natural resources further while also protecting biodiversity.

Despite these challenges, magkono remains a cherished resource among Filipinos who appreciate its beauty and durability and those committed to promoting sustainability through responsible forestry management practices.

Conclusion

Magkono wood is a remarkable material used for centuries in the Philippines. Its strength, durability, and resistance to decay make it an excellent choice for construction. The demand for magkono wood has increased in recent years as more people become aware of its unique properties.

However, magkono trees face challenges such as illegal logging and deforestation which threaten their existence. Sustainable agriculture practices must be implemented to preserve this precious native tree species.

By protecting these trees and using them responsibly, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of magkono wood without depleting natural resources or causing environmental damage. Consumers should choose products made from sustainably sourced magkono lumber whenever possible.

Magkono wood is popular not only due to its hardness but also because of its sustainability factor compared with other types of wood available in the market. It is our responsibility to ensure that this valuable resource remains available for future generations by practicing sustainable agriculture practices while preserving nature’s beauty simultaneously!