Binunga

Macaranga tanarius (L.) Mull. Arg.

This tree has a wide range of economical uses. Studies have suggested that the plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, alpha-glucosidase inhibiting, ferrous-ion chelating, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antiplasmodial properties.

Its fruits are added to palm juice, then boiled to crystallize, and used to improve the quality of sugar. While the barks and leaves are used in fermented drink, Basi. Gum tapped from the bark is used as a glue, particularly for joining parts of musical instruments. The bark contains tannin which is used for toughening fishing nets. It has also been recommended as a shade and shelter tree to promote natural regeneration of deforested land (Orwa, et al., 2009). It is often chosen to be planted on reforestation projects since it is a fast-growing tree!

In terms of conservation status, Binunga is placed in the Least Concern category (IUCN, 2019). Maybe, due to the fact that this tree grows fast, they can be easily propagated! Oh, and before I forgot, do you know why it was called as Parasol?

Parasol means a light umbrella and because of its big leaves, the tree can give a good shade for the people who wants to hide from the sun, especially when it is summer. How awesome, is it? And suddenly, nostalgia may strike back whenever you see that line of varied trees at the PUP Oval having the Binunga trees.

.Distribution of Macaranga tanarius (L.) Mull. Arg. in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (Map created by J. Diongco)

Natural distribution of Macaranga tanarius (L.) Mull. Arg. in the Philippines (Map created by A. Bumaat and J. Nierves)

Botanical Description of Macaranga tanarius (L.) Mull. Arg

Parasol leaf tree or Binunga belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae (spurge family) is distinctive in having usually white (“milky”) latex and unisexual flowers with superior ovary. Its name “Macaranga” is derived from the mokarana, a Malagasy word. It is a small, dioecious tree, growing to a height of 4 to 8 meters. Leaves are peltate, ovate to oblong-ovate, 10 to 25 centimeters long, with entire or toothed margins, with a rounded base and pointed apex. Male flowers are small and born on slender, branched peduncles which are shorter than the leaves. Female flowers are usually found in simple panicle spikes or racemes. Fruit called capsules are 10 to 12 millimeters in diameter, covered with pale, waxy glands and with soft, scattered, elongated spine-like processes.

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