Everything You Need to Know About Narra — Care, Planting & More
The national tree of the Philippines — a majestic hardwood that showers golden fragrant flowers every summer, yields the most prized timber in Filipino heritage furniture, fixes nitrogen to enrich the...
About Narra
The national tree of the Philippines — a majestic hardwood that showers golden fragrant flowers ever...
Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) holds the distinction of being the national tree of the Philippines — a designation that reflects not only its botanical magnificence but its deep integration into Filipino culture, economy, and identity across centuries. This is not merely a tree that happens to grow in the Philippines; it is a tree whose wood built Filipino ancestral houses, whose timber created the antique furniture that defines Philippine heritage design, whose flowers mark the Philippine summer, and whose strength symbolizes the resilience of the Filipino people. To understand narra is to understand a thread of Filipino culture that stretches from pre-colonial times through the Spanish period, American occupation, and modern nationhood.
Botanically, narra is a large deciduous to semi-deciduous tree in the Fabaceae family (legume family), growing 20-35 meters tall with a broad, spreading canopy that can reach 15-25 meters in diameter. The trunk is stout and often buttressed at the base, reaching 1-2 meters in diameter in old specimens. The bark is gray and rough, developing deep fissures with age. The compound leaves are pinnate with 5-11 alternate leaflets, creating a lush, airy canopy that provides filtered shade. The tree is nitrogen-fixing — its root nodules contain bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available form, enriching the soil around the tree and benefiting neighboring plants.
Pterocarpus indicus is native to a broad range across tropical Asia — from the Philippines and Indonesia through Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and into South Asia. It is indigenous to the Philippines and was present long before any human settlement of the archipelago.
How to Plant Narra in the Philippines
Soil, spacing, and the best planting approach for Philippine conditions.
Narra seedlings are available from DENR nurseries (often free during tree-planting campaigns), community forest nurseries, and landscape plant suppliers for ₱50-300 depending on size. Wildlings (self-seeded seedlings found under mature trees) can be carefully transplanted during the wet season. DENR's National Greening Program and local government tree-planting activities regularly include narra among distributed species.
Care Guide
Keep your Narra healthy and thriving.
Full sun — narra is a canopy-layer tree that achieves its best growth and flowering in full, unobstructed sunlight.
Moderate during establishment (first 2-3 years), then low to self-sufficient. The deep root system of established narra reaches groundwater and survives extended dry periods.
Adaptable — narra grows in a range of soil types from sandy loam to clay, acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 5.0-7.5).
Perfectly adapted to lowland Philippine conditions: thrives at 25-35°C with high humidity. Narra is native to the Philippines and has evolved within its climate — no adaptation concerns.
Minimal to none for established trees — narra's nitrogen-fixing ability provides a significant portion of its nutrient needs.
Minimal — narra develops a beautiful natural canopy without intervention. Remove dead and damaged branches as needed.
Get the Right Soil & Services
Everything your plants need to thrive in Metro Manila.
Nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix — perfect for ornamental plants. Delivered across Metro Manila.
Shop Garden Soil →Rich, balanced loam soil for landscaping, garden beds, and raised planters. Bulk delivery available.
Shop Loam Soil →Professional landscaping design and drip irrigation installation for homes and businesses in Metro Manila.
View Services →Growing Medium Options
Best soil and medium choices for Narra.
Open Ground (In-Ground Planting)
Only Viable OptionNarra is a large forest tree that must be planted in open ground with unrestricted root space. The deep, spreading root system supports a tree that can reach 25-35 meters tall and live for centuries. Any well-draining soil from sandy loam to clay is suitable. The tree's nitrogen-fixing ability means it improves soil quality over time. Plant with 10-15 meter clearance from structures in all directions.
Container
Nursery/Bonsai OnlyContainer culture is limited to nursery production of seedlings before transplanting, or advanced bonsai art. Narra bonsai is practiced by Filipino bonsai enthusiasts — the compound leaves reduce proportionally with restriction, and the bark develops character with age. However, standard container growing is not viable for a tree that naturally reaches 25+ meters. Seedlings should be planted in permanent locations within 1-2 years of germination.
Water / Hydroponics
Not ViableNot applicable — narra is a large hardwood tree requiring in-ground planting in natural soil. No water culture or hydroponic system can support a tree of this size and longevity. The nitrogen-fixing root nodules also require soil-based symbiosis with specific bacteria that are absent in water culture systems.
Ornamental Uses
How to use Narra in your garden and home.
Narra serves dual ornamental roles: as a living landscape tree providing shade, flowers, and aesthetic beauty, and as a timber source for the finest Philippine decorative woodwork. Few other trees offer this combination of landscape grandeur and product value — narra beautifies its environment while alive and yields precious material when harvested from managed plantations.
- Avenue and boulevard tree: Narra's natural spreading canopy creates magnificent shaded avenues. Historic Philippine streets lined with mature narra are national heritage features. The golden flower fall during summer creates unforgettable streetscapes. University campuses, memorial avenues, and government centers traditionally feature narra-lined approaches
- Park and plaza shade tree: The broad canopy provides extensive filtered shade ideal for public gathering spaces. The nitrogen-enriched soil supports healthy grass beneath. The seasonal golden flower carpet creates a natural park feature that Filipinos associate with summer and celebration
- Memorial and ceremonial planting: As the national tree, narra is planted at memorial sites, government buildings, schools, and places of national significance. New building inaugurations, school foundations, and community milestones are often marked with narra planting — a tradition that connects the present event to future generations
- Reforestation and agroforestry: Narra's nitrogen-fixing ability, fast growth (for a hardwood), and valuable timber make it a priority species for Philippine reforestation. It improves degraded soils while developing into a valuable timber resource. Multi-use landscape: shade, ecological restoration, eventual timber harvest
- Heritage furniture: Narra wood is the premier Philippine cabinet timber. Antique narra furniture (aparador, silya, mesa) commands premium prices and defines Philippine heritage interior design. New narra furniture from plantation sources continues the tradition
- Architectural elements: Flooring, ceiling panels, stair treads, door frames, and window shutters in narra create warm, naturally fragrant interior spaces. The rose-scented wood continues to release subtle fragrance for decades
- Decorative objects: Turned bowls, carved sculptures (santos), musical instruments, jewelry boxes, and art objects in narra showcase the wood's beauty at an intimate scale accessible to all budgets
Safety & Environmental Benefits
Toxicity info and air quality benefits.
Humans: Narra is non-toxic and has been used in Filipino traditional medicine for generations. Leaf teas, bark decoctions, and wood-shaving infusions have various traditional applications (digestive, wound healing, kidney support). The flowers are not toxic and create no harmful residue when they fall. Wood dust from sawing/sanding can irritate respiratory passages (as with any hardwood) — use dust protection when working with narra timber.
As one of the largest native canopy trees in the Philippines, mature narra provides exceptional air quality benefits. The vast canopy (15-25 meter spread) contains an enormous number of leaves collectively presenting massive surface area for photosynthesis, carbon sequestration, and oxygen production.
Common Pests & Diseases
Spot issues early and keep your plant healthy.
Narra dieback disease
A serious vascular disease caused by fungal pathogens that has affected narra populations across the Philippines. Symptoms: progressive branch dieback, leaf yellowing, canopy thinning, and eventual tree death. The disease is particularly devastating to mature trees and has caused losses in urban narra plantings. No cure exists for advanced cases — infected trees should be monitored and severely affected specimens removed to prevent spread. Research into resistant varieties is ongoing.
Termites
Subterranean termites can attack narra heartwood, particularly in trees with existing wounds or decay. While narra heartwood is naturally termite-resistant, the sapwood and damaged wood are vulnerable. Regular inspection of the trunk base and protection of pruning wounds helps prevent termite entry. Mature narra in good health usually resists termite attack through their natural heartwood chemistry.
Bark borers
Beetle larvae bore into the bark and cambium layer, potentially girdling young trees. More problematic in stressed or drought-weakened trees. Maintain tree health through appropriate watering during establishment. Remove and burn heavily infested branches.
Leaf-eating caterpillars
Various moth and butterfly larvae feed on narra leaves, sometimes causing significant defoliation during outbreaks. Damage is usually temporary — the deciduous tree replaces leaves readily. Bt spray for severe infestations on young trees; mature trees tolerate leaf loss and recover naturally.
Mistletoe
Parasitic mistletoe plants can establish on narra branches, extracting water and nutrients. Heavy infestations weaken and eventually kill affected branches. Remove mistletoe growths when accessible — prune out heavily infested branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Narra.
Why is narra the national tree of the Philippines?
Declared 1934: represents Filipino values — strength (durable hardwood), beauty (golden flowers, fine-grained timber), usefulness (timber, medicine, shade, soil enrichment), native heritage (indigenous to the Philippines), and longevity (trees live centuries). Appears on currency and in national symbols.
Is it legal to cut narra trees in the Philippines?
Heavily regulated — generally prohibited without DENR special permits. Classified as Premium Hardwood Species. RA 3571 prohibits cutting planted trees. IUCN Vulnerable status adds CITES regulation to trade. Plantation-grown narra may be harvested with permits. Natural/wild trees are protected. Penalties include fines and imprisonment.
How fast does narra grow?
Moderately fast for a hardwood: 1-2 meters height/year in juvenile phase, ~1-2 cm diameter/year. Reaches 8-12 m in 10 years. First flowering at 5-8 years. Full maturity at 15-25 years. Faster than most premium hardwoods (teak, mahogany), making it viable for timber plantations (20-30 year rotation).
What does narra wood look like?
Golden yellow to deep reddish-brown heartwood with interlocked grain that shimmers when polished. Rose-like fragrance when cut. Extremely durable, termite-resistant, takes high polish. Amboyna burl (from narra) is among the world's most expensive decorative woods. Classic Philippine antique furniture is typically narra.
Is narra endangered?
IUCN Vulnerable — one step below Endangered. Threats: overexploitation for timber, habitat loss, illegal cutting. Not at immediate extinction risk because extensively planted as ornamental/street tree and in plantations. Philippine conservation: DENR protection, reforestation programs, community planting, trade regulation.
When does narra flower in the Philippines?
March to May — late dry season. Dense clusters of golden-yellow fragrant flowers cover the canopy. Fallen petals create "golden rain" carpet beneath. Tree is deciduous/semi-deciduous before flowering — flowers on bare branches are more dramatic. Fragrance carries on wind. Winged seed pods follow flowering.
Can I plant narra in a small residential lot?
Generally not recommended for lots under 500 sqm — the tree reaches 20-30 m tall with 15-25 m canopy spread. Roots can damage structures. For small lots, consider planting in your community park, school, church, or barangay hall instead. Community narra planting benefits everyone for generations.
What are the medicinal uses of narra?
Filipino traditional medicine: leaf tea (diarrhea, stomach), bark decoction (wounds, infections), sap/kino (mouth ulcers, astringent), wood-shaving infusion (kidney, general tonic). Modern research confirms antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Not medical advice — consult healthcare professionals.
Sources
References used in this guide.
- Plants of the World Online — Pterocarpus indicus. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — Pterocarpus indicus (Vulnerable).
- Republic Act No. 8371 and Proclamation No. 652 — National Symbols of the Philippines.
- Rojo, J.P. (1999). Revised Lexicon of Philippine Trees. Forest Products Research and Development Institute, Philippines.
- Orwa, C. et al. (2009). Pterocarpus indicus. Agroforestree Database, World Agroforestry Centre.
This guide is for informational purposes. Narra is a protected species — consult DENR for any actions involving narra trees.
