Inflorescence of Philippine teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.), a critically endangered ornamental tree endemic to the coastal hills, inlands and islands along the Verde Island Passage Marine Biodiversity Corridor (VIP) in western Luzon, Philippines. General flowering of T. philippinensis was observed across 14 barangays of Lobo and in four adjoining municipalities in southern Batangas, Philippines. Mass flowering of Philippine teak is a distinct physiognomy that can guide researchers and conservationists about its location and numbers occurring in a given habitat or landscape. T. philippinensis has good regeneration due to the presence of individuals across different age classes, a characteristic that will most probably ensure generation of future stands of Philippine teak. With more than 4,000 flowering individuals in 18 barangays in southern Batangas and a good number of regenerants, T. philippinensis may have a good chance of sustained survival in the wild.
{Photograph courtesy of Prof. Anacleto M. Caringal, Faculty of Tropical Forestry, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Batangas State University Lobo Campus, Lobo, Batangas, Philippines}