Top 20 Most Common Trees in Laos

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Laos

Laos is blessed with favorable climatic and soil conditions that support the growth of diverse native trees. Amongst the emblematic species are Papaya, Mango tree, and Jackfruit. These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance in the region. They provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to the preservation of the ecosystem, and are deeply rooted in local traditions and customs. Their importance is widely recognized and celebrated by the people of Laos.

Most Common Trees

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Avocado

Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.

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Jackfruit

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a tree species related to the fig tree native to India and Malaysia. The fruit produced by this tree, the jackfruit is a common component of culinary dishes around the world. The ripe fruit has a sweet taste and is often served raw in cold dishes.

Tamarind

Tamarind is a monotypic perennial tree grown for its timber and edible fruits. Tamarind trees yield brown seed fruits with a sweet, acidic pulp used in various varieties of cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

Longan

The longan tree can grow over 30 m tall with long and thick branches that are typically drooping. The Dimocarpus longan is a tropical tree that produces edible fruit. The fruit is similar to that of a lychee but isn't as flavorful. The freshly harvested fruit has a bark-like shell that's thin and firm.

Indian Laurel

8. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Sacred fig

Sacred fig or Ficus religiosa, gets its name because it is considered sacred to Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Although a member of the mulberry family, the sap of the sacred fig may cause skin reactions if handled.

Fiddle-leaf fig

11. Fiddle-leaf fig

As its name implies, the fiddle-leaf fig has leaves that are shaped like a violin. Wildly popular as a houseplant, the Ficus lyrata makes an architectural statement with its unique and lush leaves. However, please be aware that this plant is finicky and can be hard to keep alive.

Pomegranate

12. Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Tropical almond

13. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

False ashoka

14. False ashoka

False ashoka (Polyalthia longifolia) is a tropical evergreen tree that will grow to 9 m tall. An unusual tree, it has a narrow trunk with a large crown of glossy green leaves. It blooms in spring with pale green, star-shaped flowers that have a short blooming time of two to three weeks. Small round green fruits appear after blooming turning to dark purple when ripe. Grown in India for its noise reducing properties.

Yellow trumpetbush

15. Yellow trumpetbush

Although the yellow trumpetbush have beautiful and bright flowers that can be pleasing to look at, this plant is considered an invasive weed in multiple countries. A native of the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru and Ecuador, this plant is often found on roadsides, riparian areas, disturbed sites, and other wasteland areas.

Cannonball tree

16. Cannonball tree

Cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis) is a tropical tree known for its large, unique, fragrant blossoms and cannonball-shaped fruit. As the fruits ripen, they may fall onto unsuspecting people below.

Water jasmine

17. Water jasmine

The evergreen and tropical plant, water jasmine, is easy to grow. It's a hardy plant that likes plenty of water and the sun. The small flower clusters are highly fragrant, and it's a highly-popular bonsai plant. It's widely planted in homes and temples, and it's popular among bonsai enthusiasts in South East Asia.

Peacock flower

18. Peacock flower

The peacock flower, Barbados' national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.

Blackboard tree

19. Blackboard tree

Blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris) is a perennial evergreen tree that can grow to 40 m tall. It is a tropical tree with fragrant clusters of showy white flowers that bloom in fall. The perfume-like scent of the blossoms is more obvious during the evenings. Most often planted as a street tree. Another common name for this tree is Devil’s tree.

Manila palm

20. Manila palm

The fronds of the manila palm (Adonidia merrillii) are incredibly resistant to disease; however, they will struggle when temperatures get anywhere close to freezing. When in bloom, it produces nectar highly sought after by bees. When they go to seed, the casings are harvested and created into beautiful beads for necklaces. It is called by some the most popular ornamental palms worldwide.

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