Cassia nodosa (Balayong/Palawan Cherry)

Locally known as Balayong (Cassia nodosa), the tree is endemic in Palawan and is also known as “Palawan cherry.” Balayong is a medium-size tree that produces light pink or white flowers in clusters. For locals, it is a symbol of feminine dominance, female beauty, and love in the language of herbs. As an economic importance, the wood is good for carvings, furniture, high-grade construction work. Xylocarpa bark is used for tanning cattle hides, goatskin, and sheepskin. Young seeds are edible due to fatty cotyledons. However, in terms of its ecological status, it is depleted due to logging and kaingin-making.