The appeal of the Merkubong berries

The Merkubong is a pioneer tree and is easily noticed for its broad leaves
Location : Botanic Island Two, Zone I

Merkubong (Malay)
Macaranga gigantea

 It's fruiting time for the Merkubong trees.  The small green berries are very attractive to many birds.  Today I managed to photoshoot the Brown-throated Sunbird  and the Bulbul.  There were many  Philippines Glossy Starlings enjoying the fruits too.  The Malays believe that the latex or red resins from the tree trunk can cure mouth ulcers in children.  As a pioneer tree the Merkubong tree will not have a long life but it is beautiful for its architectural leaves and its straight trunk produce branches when it is relatively mature.

Brown-throated Sunbird - Anthreptes malacensis

Yellow-vented Bulbul - Pycnonotus goiavier

Branching of the trunk in a mature tree

Beautiful broad architectural foliage...