Narra (smooth and prickly)

The heartwood of Narra is known for its rich, reddish-brown color and is highly prized for its use in furniture, carvings, and construction. It is considered a valuable timber species.

Narra is a sign of tenacity and perseverance in the Philippines, where it is frequently connected to strength and durability.

A number of Narra tree parts, particularly the bark, are said to have therapeutic benefits in some traditional medicine traditions. It is important to remember that scientific study is still underway and that traditional usage of Narra trees may or may not be effective.

Apart from being the national tree of the Philippines, Pterocarpus indicus is also culturally significant in many of the communities that make up its natural area, where it is frequently incorporated into customs, festivals, and rituals.

Narra is the Philippine national tree, it was declared the national tree of the Philippines in 1934 by Governor-General Frank Murphy of the Insular Government of the Philippine Islands through Proclamation No. 652.

The tree is probably best known for its use as a hardwood, which is red, is termite resistant and rose-scented. Wood from the burl of the tree is particularly prized and is used as a veneer, and even for keys on a marimba. The fragrant flowers are used by bees as a honey source, and leaf infusions are used as shampoos. The tree is recommended as an ornamental avenue tree and is sometimes planted in Puerto Rico for as a shade and ornament. It is also a source of resin. In Melanesia it is important for canoes, paddles, and outrigger canoe beds. It is considered a very good boat-building timber due to its durability in seawater, including good resistance to marine borers.