Balukanag is a tree whose scientific name is Chisocheton cumingianus.
Also reportedly called kalimotain or salakin, the balukanag tree is not that widely familiar to most Filipinos these days.
Balukanag grows in forests in the Cagayan and Albay Provinces in Luzon, in the Visayas, and on Mindanao.
The wood is not hard enough for building houses, making farm implements or woodcarving.
The nut contains non-drying oil. In certain regions before petroleum become common, balukanag oil was the chief source of lighting oil.
In herbal medicine, balukanag oil is used to stimulate bowel movement. It is used on the skin for rheumatism and inflammations due to edema. It has been taken orally for stomach pains and cholera — add a teaspoonful or tablespoonful in coffee or soup.
The red balukanag fruits can be eaten.
