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PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES

NAME DESCRIPTION PROPAGATION ECONOMIC BENEFITS


1. ALINGARO Elaeagnus trifloral Roxb. or Alingaro is a plant native to the The plant is best given an open situation and pruned as a
Philippines but can also be found in other places like Taiwan, shrub so the fruit can be accessed more easily. It makes an
Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and even Australia. excellent screen when trained along a fence or trellis. Plants
are hardy in most well drained situations and for optimal
The alternate leaves and the shoots are usually covered with tiny fruiting, regular watering during flowering is advisable.
silvery to brownish scales; from a distance this gives the plants a
whitish to grey-brown color. It has a beautiful tiny yellow flower with Vegetative propagation technique is used to propagate
a four-lobed calyx and no petals. The flowers have slight fragrance. Alingaro. Mostly it is propagated using sexual propagation
The fruit is a fleshy drupe containing a single seed. and asexual propagation technique like marcotting (air-
layering) and cleft grafting.
Just like other plants from Elaeagnus family, Alingaro is
a deciduous shrub-like small trees. It can grow well in a low-
nitrogen soils as it has a nitrogen-fixing characteristic.
2. ALMASIGA The almasiga (Agathis philippinensis Warb.) is an endangered Almasiga grows in areas where the mean annual Almasiga Resin or Manila copal
(threatened) species in the Philippines. Almasiga is an evergreen temperature is in the range 22° - 32°c, and the mean annual is used in the manufacture of
large tree of the Araucariaceae family that grows up to 65m. It can rainfall is 2,500 - 5,000 mm. Prefers a freely draining, acidic textile paint, pesticides, wax
have a diameter of two meters at breast height and has a smooth, soil. It has special tolerance for shallow, infertile soils. Plants and polishing material, and
gray bark, sometimes brownish with flaky skin. are shade tolerant and wind resistant. photogravure. In some
villages/communities the resin
Its oval leaves narrow gradually at times, sharply, toward the tip. Vegetative propagation technique is used to propagate is used as fuel for lamps and
The seed cone is oval while the seed itself has a sharp, but not Almasiga. Mostly it can be propagated using sexual torches.
extended point. Normally, almasiga is found on the ridges of propagation and asexual propagation technique like grafting
mountains where it towers over smaller trees. and cutting. 

It is planted as an enrichment crop in inadequately stocked areas or


underplanted in existing plantations, as it needs partial shade in the
early stages of its development.

3. ALUPAG The Alupag tree is an evergreen fruit bearing plant, indigenous to Alupag grows well in places with a subtropical climate or in
Philippines. It is a close relative of litchi and bears tasty fruits. The tropical highlands.
tree, around 7-10 meters tall, is evergreen. Leaves alternate,
compound, up to 30 cm long with 6-9 pairs of leaflets the texture It can be propagated by seed which takes about two weeks
leathery. Rippled glossy green dorsally and lighter green beneath. to germinate and by marcotting, inarching and cleft grafting.
Flowers are small, whitish, hermaphroditic, formed on terminal or Marcotting is the commercial propagation method in many
axillary panicles. countries.
The fruit size is about 2.5-4 cm. It is whitish, semi-transparent in Bury the seeds of Alupag in the soil until it develops its own
flesh wrapped around a large black seed. It tastes delicious and roots, stem and leaves or marcot the stem until it grows
juicy. The outward appearance looks warty, of rough peel, brownish roots.
and globular.

Alupag fruit contains high amount of Vitamin C which is useful in


safeguarding the body from cold and flu and improves the defense
mechanism. Vitamin C assists in soaking up iron and improves the
skin condition as well. Alupag may also improves blood circulation
and increases the iron assimilation in human body which can in turn
prevent the occurrence of anemia.

4. BAGO Bago is small to medium in size tree reaching a height of 10 to 15 Gnetum gnemon thrives in dry and humid areas on
m and a diameter up to 40 cm. Bole is cylindrical with numerous secondary and primary forests at low and medium altitude (0
branches; crown is compact to conical in shape. Leaves opposite to 1,200 m asl). It grows best in areas with annual
variable in size and shape, 10 to 20 cm long and 4 to 7 cm wide, precipitation of 3,000 to 5,000 mm although it can also
ovate oblong to lanceolate, dark green, shiny smooth and usually survive annual rainfall of only 750 to 1,000 mm. Gnetum
pointed at both ends. Inflorescence are borne on young shoots and gnemon can grow in diverse soil types from sandy, clay to
older branches. clay loam to calcareous soils but prefers relatively neutral soil
with good drainage.
Fruits are produced in small clusters, 2.3 to 3.5 cm long, oblong
with smooth red skin. Seed is enclosed in fleshy covering about one Bago could either be propagated by seed or by asexual
mm thick. Seed coat is thin and brittle and separates readily from means such as air layering, grafting, cutting or budding.
the seeds.

The young leaves and tender tips of Bago are edible and used as a
vegetable. The nut is eaten either boiled, fried or roasted. In
Indonesia, nuts are exported. In Java, it is an important home
industry where the seed is heated, the hush is broken, and the hot
kernel is pounded into a flat cake. The cakes are sun-dried, graded
and packed for sale.

The highest natural content in the fruit of Bago are antioxidant


ingredients. The benefits of antioxidants will work to strike all the
free radicals in the body and boost the immune system. Material
content of antioxidants found in fruits of Bago can work like vitamin
C found in fruits.
5. BANABA Banaba tree is growing from 5 to 20 meters in height. The bark is The Banaba tree will grow in full sun on a wide range of well-
smooth, gray to cream-colored, and peel off in irregular flakes. The drained soils but is not salt tolerant. Plants should be watered
leaves are smooth, oblong to elliptic-ovate, and 12 to 25 faithfully and protected from frost. Not a tree to plant and
centimeters long. The flowers are 6-parted, purplish lilac or mauve- forget, it appreciates regular fertilization or leaves become
pink, rarely pink 5 to 7.5 centimeters across, and borne in large, chlorotic. It will tolerate alkaline soil.
terminal panicles up to 40 centimeters in length. The petals are The tree has been successfully grown in urban areas where
oblong-obovate or obovate, shortly clawed, and 3 to 3.5 air pollution, poor drainage, compacted soil, and/or drought
centimeters long; the margins are shortly clawed, and 3 to 3.5 are common.
centimeters long; the margins are undulate and hardly fimbriate.
The fruit is large capsule, obovoid or ellipsoid, and 2 to 3.5 The tree can be propagated by seed or using asexual
centimeters long. The seed is pale brown, with a wing 12 to 18 propagation technique like marcotting.
millimeters long. Collect the seeds to germinate.

The Banaba leaves and flowers contain corrosolic acid, a


substance being studied for its insulin like effect of lowering the
glucose in the body. Banaba is also being studied as a weight-loss
supplement for its ability to delay or reduce the absorption of
carbohydrates.

Banaba is also rich in vitamins and minerals including zinc and


magnesium. Banaba is also rich in dietary fibers.

The Banaba leaves have been traditionally prescribed to diabetics


and to relieve stomach ailments, kidney problems, and asthma.  It
is used for creating hot and cold tea enhanced with the lovely
flavors of lemongrass and Calamansi.
6. BATUAN Batuan, also called binucao, is a tree reaching a height of about 25 Batuan trees are found scattered and are second-storey The leaf and the fruit of the
m and a diameter of 40 cm. Leaves are opposite, shiny and trees of primary lowland and secondary forests. It requires a Batuan are beneficial
smooth. The newly emerged leaves often exhibit a reddish color. well-drained area at low altitude. supplement for those with
The branches tend to be pendulous. The bark is black in color. common type of diabetes.
Flowers are small, red and borne in clusters. Fruits are yellowish Vegetative propagation technique is used to propagate Research also showed that it
when mature, somewhat rounded, and 4 cm 8 or more in diameter. Batuan. Mostly it is propagated using sexual propagation. can reduce the imbalance of
They have a firm outer covering and contain a very acid pulp with Enclose the area covered by the crown of the mother tree blood sugar level. Eating it
several seeds. and apply compost in it. Allow the ripe fruits to fall. In two fresh or adding it to some
years, the seeds of fallen will germinate. meals can make a difference.
The fruit of Batuan is rich in antioxidants that can help boost
immune system. It is also a good source of Vitamin C. It’s quite difficult to propagate batuan, some say it takes as
long as 6 months to 2 years to germinate. It is hard to grow it
The Batuan is used as the ingredient to add sour flavor in meal. from the fruit bought from the market.
Instead of using sinigang mix or tamarind, it is an alternative
souring ingredient. Batuan gives the sour taste in sinigang dish but  
with its own unique flavor. 
7. BIGNAY Bignay is a promising Philippine native tree for its many culinary If propagated by sexually, seedlings may turn out to be male, This tiny fruit is highly nutritious;
uses. It is also a favorite subject of many studies for its health and female seedlings may not bear for a number of years. many studies showed that it
benefits. Bignay is a small, dioecious tree, that can grow up to 10 Vegetative propagation is preferred. It can be readily has antioxidant and anti-
meters high. When maintained and pruned regularly, it is a pretty multiplied by cuttings, grafting or air-layering. With air- carcinogenic properties. It can
tree that can be used for edible and sustainable landscaping. layering, it can typically bear fruit in 3 to 4 years after be eaten raw, fresh from the
transplanting to the field. It is possible that female trees can trees or make a jam or jelly.
Leaves are shiny, oblong, pointed at the tip. Spikes are axillary or bear some fruit without the presence of a male. However, for Both bignay juice and tea gives
terminal and usually 5 to 15 centimeters long. Flowers are small better cross pollination in commercial production, it is a refreshing treat. Like grapes,
and green. Developed fruit is fleshy around its single-seed. The recommended that one male tree be planted for every ten it can also be made into a wine
fruit starts green and turn into red to deep almost purple-black female trees. and vinegar.
color. The fruit is about 8 millimeters long and comes in bunches of
grapelike pendant clusters. The benefits of consuming
bignay fruit will dwarf its tiny
fruit in comparison. This
underutilized fruit tree is often
neglected because of its size
but once everyone comes to
know its health benefits, it has
the potential to bring
commercial revenues to
farmers.
8. GALO An evergreen tree which is up to 15 m high when grown from seed. Galo is a plant of the moist tropical lowlands, usually growing
Leaves are ovate oblong or elliptic oblong, dark green and 8-12 cm at elevations up to 700 metres, exceptionally to 1,400 metres.
long. Small, pale green, hermaphrodite flowers are densely It prefers a climate without a pronounced dry season. Prefers
crowded in small cluster at leaf axils. Fruit is round to ellipsoid, light a position with some shade. The plant is often found in the
green and about 2-3 cm long.  Considered as an undomesticated wild in Kerangas forest - a type of moist, heath forest found
species, this egg-shaped fruit comes from a medium-sized tree that on acidic, sandy soils that are low in nutrients, especially
grows in the Philippines as well as Thailand, India, Malaysia and nitrogen. Seedlings grow slowly, taking about a year to reach
other countries in South East Asia. grafting size.

Boiled green pulp contains, per 100g, 80 g water, 8 kcal energy, Vegetative propagation technique is a preferred way to
3.0g protein, 0.4 g fat, 16.2g carbohydrates, 1.7 g crude fiber, 28 propagate Galo. It can be propagated from seeds which
mg calcium, 54 mg phosphorus, 1.3 mg iron, 770 µg β-carotene, germinate in about 100 days or by marcotting, inarching and
128 µg total vitamin A, 0.9 mg niacin and 12 mg ascorbic acid. cleft grafting. Trees grown from seeds bear fruit about 6-8
years from planting while asexually propagated trees bear
The thick pulp of fruit is edible raw, boiled or roasted. Ripe pulp is fruit in about 3-4 years.
soft, aromatic and sweet. The kernel nut is delicious when boiled or
roasted.

Harvest season of Galo is from March to July. Fruits are mature


when they turn light green or yellowish green.
9. GUMIHAN Said to be the tastiest of all antocarpus, this unique native fruit is Established and fruiting Gumihan trees are hardy in most well
golden treasure for flavors. This unique looking fruit looks like a drained situations and for optimal fruiting, regular watering
bigger rambutan. Fruit starts at light green and turns golden yellow during flowering is advisable.
and orange as it ripens.
The more common practice of propagating Gumihan is by
Similar to Marang, but not as aromatic, the fruit is with snowy, seedling. Sow the seed as soon as it is ripe. The seed
sweet, juicy flesh that encloses its numerous seeds. germinates best at a temperature of 24 - 27c.
Since little is known information on the best way to propagate
Commonly found in humid tropics with a mild monsoon climate it commercially. Right now, Philippine Native tree hobbyist
such as Philippines, Malaysia, Borneo and Indonesia. It is also and enthusiasts are known to propagate this fast
occasionally found in steep, clayey hillsides of inland areas. disappearing tree. There are also host communities, where
Typically found close to riverbanks and swamps. Typically, the Gumihan can be seen. In the Philippines, this is common in
fruiting season of gumihan tree is around the months of May to Bicol Region.
July.

If maintained and pruned, it can be a good tree in the backyard that


can be a source of food and provide shade and natural landscape.  
10. HAGIS Syzygium tripinnatum or Hagis is a tree, 15-20 cm diameter trunk. Vegetative propagation technique is used to propagate
Leaves are chartaceous, elliptic or oblanceolate, 8-13 cm long, 1.3- Hagis. The softwood grafting carried out during March
4.8 cm wide, with an acute or shallow cordate base and acuminate showed significantly higher graft success followed by
apex. Flower are borne in terminal or, less often, lateral cyes. Fruit softwood grafting in September whereas patch budding
is white to reddish, about 1.5cm in diameter, juicy, subacid and has showed the least survival percentage.
persistent, conspicuous calyx lobes. Hagis is a midsized tree that
grows up to 20 m. high. More common in the provinces of Sorsogon
and Bicol, the white hagis fruit turns cherry red upon maturation.

The presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins,


phenols, lipids, flavonoids in its leaves, barks, fruits, stems, and
roots contributes to rich source for nutrition and medicine. Due to
the presence these compounds, they have pharmacological effects
with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, central nervous system
activity (CNS), chemo preventive, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic,
hepatoprotective, etc. properties. It is commonly known for its
antidiabetic activity as it has been proved to be the most promising
nutraceutical value.

Ripe fruit may be eaten raw or made into juice, jam and jelly. Its
pulp is juicy yet sour. You can enjoy eating it raw or can mix it with
salt r sugar to neutralize its sour taste.

The genus comprises about 1200–1800 species, and has a native


range that extends from  Africa and Madagascar through
southern Asia east through the Pacific. Most species
are evergreen trees and shrubs. Several species are grown as
ornamental plants for their attractive glossy foliage, and a few
produce edible fruits that are eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.
11. HIMBABAO Himbabao (Broussonetia luzonica) is a medium-sized shed tree Himbabao is widely grown throughout the Philippines. It is Himbabao is a good source of
with a height of 15 meters (m) and a trunk diameter of 30 commonly found in thickets and second-growth forests at low wood and it is used for
centimeters (cm.). It is locally known as Alokon, Malambingan, and medium altitudes, it can grow to almost all types of soil. paneling, furniture and cabinet
Babayan (Tagalog); This plant is in no way related to the birch tree. But it is best grown in well-drained loamy and moderately work, gunstocks, musical
It is a member of the Moraceae family, the Mulberries. The leaves fertile soil. instruments, pulpwood,
are alternate with pointed apex and rounded base. The lower leaf firewood butchers’ block and
surface is hairy. The flowers are very small and are borne on very boat planking.
long, slender, spike-like flowering branches. Pistillate and staminate
inflorescences are borne on separate plants. Fruits are globose
syncarp with numerous seeds.

Himbabao trees have been planted in Southern Luzon to shade


abaca plants.

It is rich in vitamins A, B and C, and contains calcium, phosphorus,


potassium and iron.
12. KALINGAG Kalingag is a small tree, 6 to 10 meters high. Bark is thick and Kalingag succeeds in the moist lowland tropics. Species in It is a popular spice and
aromatic. The leaves are opposite or sub-opposite, smooth, pale this genus generally prefer an acidic soil with ample moisture flavoring agent. With its strong
green, subglaucous beneath, shining above, ovate- oblong to to in the growing season and a position with some shade. sassafras odor and taste, used
broadly lanceolate, occasionally subelliptic, 8 to 20 centimeters Species in this genus are generally able to resprout from as an ingredient of root beers.
long, 4 to 6 centimeters wide, pointed at both ends, borne upon basal wood if the top is damaged and will soon recover from The bark is sometimes
petioles 5 to 15 millimeters long. Blade is 3-plinerved. Inflorescence any damage. substituted for cinnamon and
is erect, growing from the uppermost leaf axils, about 10 used as a condiment.
centimeters long. Calyx is canescent and turbinate. Petals are The seed of species in this genus generally has a short
smooth and scarcely exerted. Fruit is smooth, narrowly ellipsoid, viability and is best sown as soon in containers as it is ripe. The bark of the tree and leaves
about 2 centimeters long, surrounded to the middle by a persistent are used in traditional medicine
calyx. in the Philippines, with the bark
being chewed to aid digestion
and cure flatulence, as an
expectorant, and for stomach
pains. It is soothing for the
stomach and is also a stimulant
with astringent, antiseptic,
antifungal and antiviral
properties.
13. KALUMPIT Terminalia edulis or Kalumpit is believed to be indigenous to the It grows best in areas where the mean maximum and Fruit of kalumpit can be
Philippines and was formerly of wide distribution throughout the minimum annual temperatures are within the range 22 - 38°c, beneficial to one’s health as it is
country at low elevations, both dry and moist regions. It is, however, though it can tolerate 12 - 45°c. It prefers a mean annual rich in ascorbic acid, enzymes,
not cultivated, and is now classified as Vulnerable, meaning that the rainfall in the range 850 - 1,900mm, though can tolerate from bioflavonoid, chromium,
population is decreasing, and it is likely to become more severely 600 - 2,100mm. It is found in monsoon forests, where there is potassium, magnesium, B
threatened in the near future. a distinct dry season. vitamins and amino acids.
Requires a sunny position. Plants are tolerant of shade.
Aside from being nutritious, kalumpit is very effective in treating Prefers a well-drained, medium to light soil. Prefers a pH in The kalumpit fruits can be
eczema and other skin diseases. The fruit is used as eyewash like the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 – 7. compared to taste of strawberry
the Acacia farnesiana. It is also used as a lotion in cases of humid and other berry type of fruits
herpetism. The fruit pulp finds use by Hindu physicians as an Vegetative propagation technique can be used to propagate which is sweet and citrusy. The
astringent and laxative. Kalumpit; asexual propagation technique like grafting. fruits can be used to process
flavor and age of lambanog,
It can also be propagated using sexual propagation. kalumpit jam and for wine
making.
14. KAMANSI Artocarpus altiris or Breadfruit is one of our native trees which Artocarpus camansi is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m by
grown as an exotic fruit in the Philippines. Breadfruit tree has many 15 m at a fast rate. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium
similarities to jackfruit except that their fruits appear on twigs and (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
the terminal end of small branches. Kamansi trees can grow up to Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can
50 feet in height and once established can withstand brief stints of grow in very alkaline soils.
drough as well as periodic flooding. Trees typically produce their
first fruits when 8-10 years old and when mature can produce It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can
upwards of 600-800 fruits each season.  Kamansi is usually found tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate strong winds but not
growing at lowland and mountains. maritime exposure.

Vegetative propagation technique is used to propagate


The fruit has moderate levels of essential vitamins and minerals. Kamansi. Select healthy, undamage roots that are growing
Like other tropical delicacies, it is rich in many vital B-complex just beneath the surface of the soil and carefully excavate
groups of vitamins. The fruit is a moderate source of vitamins, them.
especially thiamin, pyridoxine, and niacin.
Fruits, particularly the young ones, are boiled and eaten as a
vegetable. Also, it cook into a seeded breadfruit in coconut-milk.
15. KATMON
16. LAMIO A tree reaching a height of about 20m and a diameter of about 60 The Lamio tree grows moderately. Young trees reach a
centimeters. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and hairy; the height of three to four meters after two years and 6.5 meters
leaflets are pointed at the apex, rounded ate the base, and from 10- after 5.5 years. In trial plantations with a spacing of 1 m x 3
20cm in length. The flowers are small, and occur on rather large, m, the canopy closes after eight years. The tree tolerates
compound inflorescence. The fruits are rounded, yellow and have shade. Since natural pruning is good, artificial pruning is
edible pulp around the seed. seldom necessary. Logs should be sprayed with insecticides
to prevent attacks by bostrychid beetles.
Fruits of Lamio reportedly have cooling properties and are used to
treat sore throat, skin inflammation, itch, internal ulcers, as well as Propagation of Lamio is usually by seed. Trees can also be
an antidote for poisoning. Leaves found to possess antiseptic established by direct sowing and wildlings because it
properties against broad spectrum of bacteria. regenerates easily.

Young fruits are used to flavor curry, and the edible flesh covering
the seed is sweet-sourish and eaten in Thailand. Fruits are edible,
fresh or stewed in honey. Flowers and leaves are cooked and eaten
as a vegetable or used as a food flavoring. Fruit is used as a sour
relish with fish in Malaysia.
17. LIPOTE It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 14 meters tall and the Lipote is propagated through seeds or through grafting. The
trunk is up to 75 centimeters in diameter. The outer bark is purplish plants come into bearing in 4 to 5 years after planting. This
gray and its twigs are angularly winged and leaves are alternate, species can be used as a reforestation species because of its
oblong-lanceolate or obovate, acuminate, 6 to 20 centimeters long, economic and ecological contribution.
4 to 7 centimeters wide, with 14 to 16 pairs of secondary veins.
Flowers are white, numerous, and in panicles. Fruits are It can be propagated sexually, and it is always good to use
subglobose, fleshy, red to dark purple, sweet sour, and edible, 1 the Lipote seeds when it comes from the fruit that’s ripe.
centimeter in diameter. Many preferred vegetative propagation techniques in
multiplying Lipote; cleft grafting is common.
For edibility, the fruits are eaten raw or cooked. The ripe fruit is rich
in vitamin C and processed into jams, jellies and juice. The juice is
made into wine. Also, Lipote jelly is added as an ingredient in cake
making.

18. MABOLO Mabolo is indigenous in the Philippines, where it is widely found in Male trees must be planted near the female trees for effective
primary and secondary forests at low and medium altitudes. It is pollination and fruit production. The tree does best in loam
also grown in other tropical countries. but flourishes very well in almost any soil with little care. It is
This is a medium-sized to large tree, 8-15 m or higher, with oblong rarely fertilized and seems to need no protective spraying.
leaves, green and shining on the other surface, soft with appressed,
pale hairs on the lower. The female flowers are slightly larger than Mabolo is usually propagated by seed taking up to 24 days to
the male flowers. The fruit is large and spherical, with a velvety skin germinate.
densely covered with brown hair, dull reddish, thin and adhering to
the flesh. The flesh is whitish, firm rather dry, sweet, astringent, and It can also be propagated vegetative by marcotting, budding
with a strong, aromatic, cheesy odor. and grafting; the latter method is being commercially used in
the Philippines.
The high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A of Mabolo (Velvet
Apples) boosts the immune system of the body by acting
as antioxidants, eliminating damaging free radicals that can mutate
or kill healthy cells. The dietary fiber in mabolo helps to ease the
passage of food through the digestive tract, thereby
eliminating constipation and other gastrointestinal issues.

Velvet apples are rich sources of various vitamins, minerals, and


essential organic compounds, including
dietary fiber, protein, potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C,
and the B-family vitamins.
19. MANGKONO Xanthostemon vedugonianus or Mangkono is a giant among the The Mangkono tree will grow in sandy loam soil; if the soil is The extreme hardness of the
species of trees. It has been found to draw metal minerals out of too rich in organic matter the growth of the tree may suffer. Mangkono tree makes it
the soil resulting I the nickname of ironwood and is extremely During the heat of the growing season the Mangkono tree suitable for certain applications.
difficult to cut down. Preferring to live in tropical climates such as requires large amounts of water. It will flower more if provided The ability of the wood of the
Philippines, the Mangkono tree is now becoming in danger of dying with full or partial light. Mangkono tree to resist rot
out as saplings are cut down before maturation. The trunk of a makes it an ideal choice in ship
Mangkono tree can grow to the diameter of 20 to 36 inches while Vegetative propagation technique is used to propagate building. It is also used in the
the canopy of the towers up to 30 to 40 feet above. The leaves of Mangkono. It is propagated using seeds. handles of tools, poles, wharfs
the Mangkono tree have a leathery texture and are generally oval in and bridges.
shape. The tree features bright red, rounded flowers o the end of
the branches and fruit that splits open to reveal half-moon seed
within.

The wood of the Magkono tree is highly valued and can resist
routing for 40 years with constant contact to moisture and even
longer in arid regions. The wood of a full-grown Mangkono tree is
so hard that it is recommended to use a diamond saw to cut it. A
Mangkono tree can be chopped down with an axe but it is very
difficult and will take several days to complete. Because of the
challenge of cutting down a mature Mangkono tree many younger
trees are cut down after they reach a diameter of only a few inches.
20. MARANG Artocarpus odoratissimus is an evergreen tree growing to a high 25 Marang, as native tree, is commonly cultivated in Mindoro,
meters tall if not pruned and managed. The leaves are broad similar Negros and Mindanao region.
to the Breadfruit, another antocarpus, except it is a little less lobed.
The leaf lobbing may not be as prominent once the tree matures. Marang is propagated from seed and by inarching. The
seeds germinate in about 26-30 days. Fruiting season is
Marang is typically eaten fresh as a dessert. However, it has a short around May to August and can vary in different location in the
shelf life and can be difficult to transport to reach the marketplace in Philippines.
faraway location. This is why it is best to processed it and can be
made as value-added products such as ice cream and Fruits are harvested when fully mature and can be ripened off
concentrated syrup or puree. It can also be made as preserves and the tree.
jams. With commercial food processor, it can be dehydrated and
powdered to maximize its potentials in the culinary world.

Many will agree that Marang has a more favorable scent compared
to Durian, another antocarpus. The sweet flesh that surrounds the
seed of the fruit is delicious when it’s ripe. Nutritionally, it can be
considered a complete food since it contains most of the necessary
nutrients for a person’s health. Such nutrients include protein, fat,
carbohydrates, calcium, retinol, crude fiber, phosphorous, iron,
beta-carotene, vitamin A, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin and ascorbic
acid.
21. PAJO Paho is an evergreen tree with shiny, elliptic, dark green leaves and It can be propagated by seed which takes about a month to Many culinarians agree that it
smooth, brown bark. The fruit hangs from the tree on a long stem, germinated. and cleft grafting on its own seedlings or on gives out a “herbful” of flavors
is an ovoid drupe. Color is light green and ripens to pale yellow. It those of the mango. and aroma. Its unique flavor is
is single seeded. gaining fast acceptance with
many kitchen enthusiasts
This tiny looking mango is not a young, unripe mango. Yes, it is experimenting on using it in
closely related to the mango (Mangifera indica), but a different many recipes. One new way of
species in itself. Paho or Mangifera altissima, is a much smaller utilizing Paho is by brining it like
fruit and is said to be less prone to pests. green olives.

This fruit contains Vitamin B6, riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, This fruit is fast becoming a
Vitamin E and Vitamin K. It is also rich in folate, niacin and new way to reinvent flavor in
pantothenic acid. With its nutritional benefits, it can assists in the the kitchen.
prevention of host of diseases which arises from deficiency of
minerals and vitamins.
22. PILI Pili is native to Philippines and can also be found in maritime This is a priority crop in Bicol region, considered Pili’s center The pili kernel is considered it’s
Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New of diversity. the most important product.
Guinea. A distinctly erect and spreading tree, Pili tree is The flavor of pili nut when raw
predominantly dioecious, It is medium-sized to large, tree that can A tropical tree that prefers the warm temperature and well is similar to that of roasted
reach up to 30 meters, with huge trunk diameters. Leaves have distributed and well-drained soil. It cannot tolerate temperate pumpkin seed. When roasted,
deltoid to lingulate stipules that are spirally arranged. weather and the slightest frost. the nutty flavor and texture is
similar to the pine nut.
An attractive symmetrically shaped evergreen, Pili tree can grow as It is commonly propagated sexually through its seeds.
20-30 meters tall with its resinous wood. It is a popular However, it is recommended to propagate it asexually either Oil can also be extracted in Pili.
windbreaker, as it is known for its resistance to strong winds. by marcotting, grafting and budding. It can be used in cooking and
can be used in making
vinaigrette and other salad
dressing. It is also used as
substitute for oil typically used
in the making of soap.

The hard-woody shells are


excellent inert growth media for
orchids and anthurium. It can
also be used for as fuel while
using the sap to ignite the fire.
23. PUTAT This native plant is fast becoming a favorite candidate for many The species do not tolerate even light frost. Grown in wet and
landscaping projects. The elegance of this native tree when its moist tropical climatic zones. Occurring always near water:
flowers are in bloom, makes it one of the popular choices for along riverbanks and in freshwater swamps, and occasionally
landscapers and designer who are in sustainable and in the less saline areas of mangrove swamps. This is where
conservationist landscaping movement, it may develop pneumatophores.
 
Putat is a tree with a smooth trunk reaching a height of 10 m. Leaf Putat can be propagated by seeds. Seeds are sown in a
scars are noticeable in its prominent branches. Leaves measures seedbed or in a plastic bag with ordinary garden soil. Water
10 to 30 cm long, oblong ovate occur at the ends of the branches, the seedbeds/plastic bags as necessary.
pointed at both ends and toothed along the margins.
  Germination of the seeds takes place after 2 weeks’ time
It’s unique flowers in white or pink occur in clusters at the end of the
stem or may droop from the angle between the scar and the stem;
petals range from oblong to oval lanceolate.

24. SAPINIT Ardisia squamolosa, locally known as Tagpo, is a small tree that Like many Ardisia, it is common in primary forests at low and
can reach the height of about 10 meters if not maintained and medium altitudes. Ardisia squamolosa is endemic to the
pruned. Leaves are alternate, with oblanceolate to elliptic- Philippines. In many researches, Ardisia is known for its
oblanceolate shape. The size is about 6 to 15 centimeters long and health-promoting compounds and phytopharmaceuticals
2 to 6 centimeters wide, and with pointed ends. Flowers are pretty extracts.
pink, with mild fragrance. It is borne on compound, terminal or
lateral inflorescences, that can grow about 1 centimeter in length. It can be grown from seeds and cutting-based propagation.
However, shrubs started
Fruit has a dark red, sometimes with shade of dark purple. Shape is from cuttings grow truer to form than seed-grown specimen.
rounded, and about 5 to 8 millimeters in diameter in size. The ripe Most propagators create multiple shrubs for larger planting
fruit has a sweet and tangy flavor, with tart aftertaste. Not as materials, especially when it is used as hedge or for
appealing eaten as raw fruit but can be used to make an excellent landscape purposes.
savory sauce or sweet jam.

25. TAGPO Rubus rosaefolius or Sapinit is a climbing, prickly shrub that can Sapinit is wildly grown and enjoyed by farming communities
reach up to 2 to 3 meters. Its branches are often covered by hairs. located in higher elevation, such as in Mt. Banahaw in
It is identified with the rose family because of its prickly stem. Quezon and Laguna.
Therefore, this Philippine berry is more like a raspberry than a  
strawberry. It is considered a plant useful for environmental sustainability
  as it does not need continuous cultivation in the wild.
Sapinit or sometimes referred to as local wild raspberries are bright Growing amongst others in the wild, it has the ability to
red that accounts for its phytochemical richness. It measures to at retains soil fertility and can stay alive for years.
least one centimeter in diameter. It is succulent, with combination of  
sweet and sour, and sometimes with slight bitterness that adds to For small production, it can be propagated by cuttings and
its uniqueness. suckers.
 
From being wildcrafted, there are now many propagators, who are
starting to grow them in small commercial quantity. The berries
unique taste offers many culinary opportunities for farmers living in
higher elation farming communities.

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