Bobier, Sandy B. V-BSAEn Score:
AE 60 December 13, 2010
Activity 3
Profiling Trees, Anatomy of a Tree and Life Functions of a Tree
I. Introduction
Trees are everywhere. Each has its distinctive characteristics that make it distinguishable to its co-family tree. Some trees resemble one another; therefore, a need to make a profile of the tree is needed to determine further its peculiar difference. Examples are the tree trunks and barks, relying alone with the said parts will be difficult to determine its tree species. Unlike when leaves are presented, the determination is quite easy. Studying the profile and anatomy also of the tree aids some growers to program what plants are they going to grow in order to utilize their area and maximize profits.
Understanding tree means following its life functions, too. This will be useful in determining the fastest and most profitable production technique, seedling care and nutrient requirements of the tree.
II. Objectives
This activity aims to:
A. Create a profile of the selected tree species;
B. Study the anatomy of the tree; and
C. Determine the difference life functions of the tree.
III. Methodology
A. Materials
• Pili tree species
• Camera
B. 1. The selected tree species is pili.
2. Characteristics of pili tree
Pili are an indigenous species that grows abundantly in Bicol Region. Its fruits consist of pulp, shell and kernel. This plant has multiple uses. The trunk and branches are main source of resin known as “Manila Elemi” which is used for the manufacture of lacquers and varnishes. The kernel and pulp have low fatty acids.
Trees of Canarium ovatum are attractive symmetrically shaped evergreens, averaging 20 m tall with resinous wood and resistance to strong wind. C. ovatum is dioecious, with flowers borne on cymose inflorescence at the leaf axils of young shoots. As in papaya and rambutan, functional hermaphrodites exist in pili. Pollination is by insects. Flowering of pili is frequent and fruits ripen through a prolonged period of time. The ovary contains three locules, each with two ovules, most of the time only one ovule develops.
Pili fruit is a drupe, 4 to 7 cm long, 2.3 to 3.8 cm in diameter, and weighs 15.7 to 45.7 g. The skin (exocarp) is smooth, thin, shiny, and turns purplish black when the fruit ripens; the pulp (mesocarp) is fibrous, fleshy, and greenish yellow in color, and the hard shell (endocarp) within protects a normally dicotyledonous embryo. The basal end of the shell (endocarp) is pointed and the apical end is more or less blunt; between the seed and the hard shell (endocarp) is a thin, brownish, fibrous seed coat developed from the inner layer of the endocarp. This thin coat usually adheres tightly to the shell and/or the seed. Much of the kernel weight is made up of the cotyledons, which are about 4.1 to 16.6% of the whole fruit; it is composed of approximately 8% carbohydrate, 11.5 to 13.9% protein, and 70% fat. Kernels from some trees may be bitter, fibrous or have a turpentine odor.

3. The Pili tree
a. Leaves are compound and alternate with odd-pinnate leaflets.
b. Bark – rough, color varies from white to brown
c. The bark of young pili tree is different as that of the mature tree. It is smooth with brownish color.
d. Flowers- are in clusters, male pili trees ‘flowers do not develop into mature fruit. Flowers are borne on cymose inflorescence at the leaf axils of young shoots. Pollination is by insects. Flowering of pili is frequent.
Fruits- shapes varies, some are ovoid, and spherical; color when unripe is green while purple when ripe. Fruits ripen through a prolonged period of time.
Seeds- the hard shell is ovoid or spherical
Kernel –coated with extra protective brown layer; color of kernel is white
e. Mature size and Form – the tree grows from (height) forming a sturdy tree canopy
4. The Pili tree


Figure 1.0 Parts of the Pili Tree
C. Discussion
1. Profiling
Local name: Pili
Common Name: Pili
Scientific Name:
Characteristics:
Height: average of 20 meters
Diameter: 40-50 cm
Bark: rough, brown in color
Leaves: compound and odd-pinnate
Flowers: are in clusters
Kernels: may be bitter, fibrous or have a turpentine odor.
2. Anatomy of the Tree

Figure 2.0 Anatomy of a tree


a. Trunk – main stem of the tree
b. Branches - are attached to the tree trunk by interlocking branch and trunk tissue. A new layer of interlocking tissue is produced each year over the previous layers.
c. Tree roots- these are the nutrient carrier of the plants from the ground. It develops and survives where there is adequate oxygen and moisture.
d. Leaves – these act the process of photosynthesis or the making of plants food.
e.
3. Life Functions of Tree
a. Photosynthesis - (from the Greek [photo-], "light," and [synthesis], "putting together", "composition") is a process that converts carbon dioxide into organic compounds, especially sugars, using the energy from sunlight. It is also the process of plant-making food.
b. Energy Storage- this refers to the energy bank of tree.
c. Growth- is the process of growing; full development; maturity.
d. Reproduction - The sexual or asexual process by which trees generate new individuals of the same kind.
e. Sexual Reproduction - reproduction involving the fusion of a male and female haploid gamete
f. Asexual Reproduction - reproduction without the fusion of gametes such as marcotting, grafting, layering, and inarching
g. Tissue culture - The technique or process of keeping tissue alive and growing in a culture medium.
IV. References
• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/axillary+root
• Coronel, R.E., J.C. Zuno, and R.C. Sotto. 1983. Promising fruits of the Philippines, p. 325-350. Univ. Philippines at Los Banos, College of Agr., Laguna.