Tambayan ng Kaalaman Tungkol sa Pilipinas
Brewbaker says that, apparently the ipil ipil growth slows down when it produces pods.
Hugh M. curran Jr., a forestry consultant he has been actively introducing fast growing ipil ipil varieties in the
In August 1972, Curran gave forester M. Decena of
The Versatile Ipil-ipil
By: Zacarias B Sarian
Source:Greenfields, 1976
Very few trees have as many important uses as ipil-ipil – one of the most versatile trees in the Philippines.
Consider its major uses:
It is a source of fuel wood and charcoal for household and industrial use.
Ipil-ipil leaf meal is used in the manufacture of commercial feed for livestock and poultry.
It is used as forage (either grazing or soiling) for farm animals.
It is a rich source of organic fetrtilizer.
The tree itself is often used as a windbreaker as well as a nurse tree for shade-loving crops.
It is planted to prevent soil erosion.
In addition, the ipil-ipil is one of the easiest trees to grow. It will thrive even in stony areas where few other trees would take root. And since it has a deep root system, it can tolerate drought much better than many other trees.
James L, Brewbaker, professor of horticulture and genetics at the University of Hawaii, says that the root system of ipil-ipil is as deep as the tree is high.
Though the tree is not native to the Philippines, it is so widely planted throughout the archipelago that most people consider it indigenous to this country. Actually, the tree is indigenous to Central America where its usefulness has been well-known since tiem immemorial.