About Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe
Katmon, Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe, is a medium-sized evergreen tree that reaches 10 to 15 meters in height. It has an erect trunk, with branches usually growing from the midway section of the trunk. The species forms buttresses, is evergreen, and is shade tolerant. Its bark is smooth with shallow fissures. The leaves are leathery, shining, and shaped ovate, elliptic, or oblong-ovate. They measure around 12 to 25 centimeters long, with coarsely toothed margins. The flowers are white, large, and showy, reaching about 15 centimeters in diameter, with reddish pistils and stamens. The edible fruits are rounded, around six to eight centimeters in diameter, with large fleshy sepals that tightly enclose the true fruit. The fruit of this species is called "elephant apple", with a diameter of around five to six centimeters. It contains soft, fleshy, green edible pulp that has a flavor similar to a sour green apple. The fruit is used to make sauces, jams, and as a flavoring for fish. The fruit's acid is mixed with sugar to create a traditional cough remedy. It is also used to clean hair. The tree is harvested for its timber, which is suitable for making furniture and cabinets. Its wood has a beautiful silver grain similar to quartered oak. A red dye can be obtained from the tree's bark.
