Still no itinerary for the long Holy Week weekend? How about a nature hike to Masungi Georeserve!
On March 22, the environmental conservation organization posted on Facebook a few photos of the “Philippine Cherry Blossoms” or the Salinggogon in full bloom. It went viral due to its similarities with Japan’s cherry blossoms, which are also blooming right now.
The Salinggogon tree (Cratoxylum formosum) is native to the Philippines and other tropical countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It can grow up to 65 feet tall, with some known specimens reaching over 140 feet, according to Masungi Georeserve.
“Passers-by are drawn to its pink crown which stands out among the greenery of the georeserve. Under the protection of Masungi park rangers, these trees are flourishing without the threat of being cleared,” they said.
While there’s only a few trees to appreciate right now, with the organization’s efforts, we might see a forest of them in the future.
According to their post, many Salinggogon trees have already been planted in the Masungi Geopark Project, a reforestation initiative in denuded watershed areas.
“However, they are all young and we will need patience to see a forest of pink blooms in the future. Under our park rangers' care, these magnificent trees will someday be in full bloom at almost the same time as its famous Japanese look-alike, the Sakura,” they said.
You can support Masungi Georeserve’s biodiversity conservation work by requesting a visit.
