While it looks like a rebel artist took a paintbrush to the trunk, the Bagras is the only eucalyptus species indigenous to the northern hemisphere—specifically the rainforests of Mindanao. Photographs by Culture Shock PH / Facebook
The living technicolor dream of Mindanao finds a home in the heart of Makati’s concrete park.
Did you know that one of the most colorful trees in the world is actually a Filipino native? Meet the Bagras.Â
Spotted recently at Ayala Triangle Gardens, this vibrant Rainbow Eucalyptus—known locally as Bagras or Binacag —is a true Filipino native. While it looks like urban street art, those colors are 100% organic.
Where does it get its colors? As the bark sheds in patches throughout the year, it reveals a fresh green layer. Over time, that trunk turns into a beautiful display of oranges, blues, and purples, creating a masterpiece in the middle of the city.
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These neon streaks are actually a botanical defense mechanism; as the outer bark peels away, the underlying chlorophyll is exposed to air and light, causing it to oxidize into a vivid spectrum of violet, green, and fiery orange.
Charles Bagasbas writes about anything that piques his interest. After hours, you will find him playing badminton, reading online gossip, or screaming in a karaoke.