The Philippine Forests

Abstract

<p>Unlike the forests of a temperate region, where in a single locality the number of tree species usually does not exceed 10 or a score, those of the Philippine Islands, and probably of any tropical country, contain a bewildering number and variety. In one locality where an actual count was made, 8o different species were collected on a single acre. While this is likely extreme, almost any acre in a virgin stand would probably contain a score of different kinds. Altogether it is estimated that there are more than 2,500 different tree species in the Islands. Many of these, however, are not large growing sorts. As a matter of fact, probably not more than 600 or 700 reach saw timber size when mature. Of those, only something over 100 different species commonly find their way into the markets as lumber.</p>