PAPAYA /Papaw/Pawpaw

Scientific Name: Carica Papaya

Family: Caricaceae

Characteristics:

The papaya plant is considered a tree, though

its palm like trunk, up to 8 meters (26 feet)
tall, is not as woody as the designation
generally implies. Normally, the species is
dioecious, male and female flowers being
produced on separate plants, but
hermaphroditic forms are known, and
numerous irregularities in the distribution of the sexes are common. Papayas are usually
grown from seed. Their development is rapid, with fruit being produced before the end of the
first year. Under favorable conditions, a plant may live five years or more. It can take up to
twelve months for a papaya tree to grow from seed and produce fruit, though, under optimal
conditions and care, it can take six months before you can begin harvesting fruit. Papaya
plants grow and fruit best in areas where temperatures remain warm to hot (70°F–90°F; 21–
32°C). Root growth is best if soil temperatures remain above 60°F (15.5°C) and slows or
declines below that temperature. Papaya plants are not tolerant of freezing temperatures and
are damaged or killed below 31°F (-0.6°C).

Papaya Leaves_______________________________
The plant is crowned by deeply lobed leaves,
sometimes 60 cm (2 feet) across, borne on hollow
petioles (leaf stalks) 60 cm long. The rough, green
leaves are thin, pliable, and have prominent yellow
veining spreading throughout the 5-9 lobes. papaya
leaves contain a significant amount of nutrients to
improve the immunity. Beside vitamins E, A, and C,
they have vitamin B-17 whose concentrated form is
used to cure cancer patients in conventional
chemotherapy treatment.

Papaya Fruit________________________________

The fruit is commonly spherical to cylindrical in form,

is 75 to 500 mm (3 to 20 inches) or even more in
length, and sometimes weighs as much as 9 to 11.5
kg (20 to 25.5 pounds). The very juicy flesh is deep
yellow or orange to salmon-coloured. Along the walls of the large central cavity are attached
the numerous round, wrinkled black seeds.

DUHAT/Lomboy/ Java Plum

Scientific Name: Syzgium Cumini

Family: Myrtle

Characteristics:

The Java Plum (Sizygium cumini) or

Black Plum is a large, evergreen and
exotic tree from the Myrtaceae family.
It is popularly known as “Duhat” in the
Philippines. Java Plum has been
introduced to many different places where it has been utilized as a fruit producer, as an
ornamental and also for its timber. A fairly fast growing species, it can reach heights of about
8 to 14 meters or more and can live more than 100 years. Plum trees start flowering from
March to April and the fruits develop by May or June. The Java Plum tree grows well from sea-
level to 6,000 ft (1,800 m) but, above 2,000 ft (600 m) it does not fruit but can be grown for its
timber. Despite its ability to thrive in low, wet areas, the tree does well on higher, well-drained
land whether it be in loam, marl, sand or oolitic limestone. Yet it is tolerant of drought after it
has made some growth. Dry weather is desirable during the flowering and fruiting periods. It is
sensitive to frost when young but mature trees have been undamaged by brief below-freezing
temperatures.

Duhat Leaves______________________________

Leaves are opposite, shiny and leathery, oblong-

ovate to elliptic or obovate-elliptic, 6 to 12
centimeters long, the tip being broad and shortly
pointed. Apart from diabetes, it can treat digestion
disorders, such as flatulence or gas, bowel spasms,
stomach problems and diarrhea; as well as address
lung problems like asthma and bronchitis.

Duhat
Fruit__ ______________________________

the fruits are about 1 to 2 centimeters in

length, oval-shaped, and dark purple to black in
color. They resemble dark purple grapes but are
slightly bigger and firmer to the touch. Java Plum
or Duhat fruit can be eaten raw and can be
made into tarts, sauces and jams. Good quality Java Plum juice is excellent for sherbet, syrup
and “squash”, an Indian drink.

CALAMANSI/Kalamansi/Calamondin
Scientific Name: Citrofortunella Microcarpa

Family: Rutaceae/ Citrus

Characteristics:

Calamansi or calamondin (Citrofotunella

microcarpa) is a fruit tree native to the
Philippines. It is the most commonly grown
backyard tree among the citrus species
because it can thrive in a wide variety of
environmental conditions. It is a small tree with a height ranging from 2 meters to 7 1/2
meters at maturity. Calamansi requires tropical or subtropical weather to grow in, and the
moister the soil is the better will be the Calamansi trees. A temperature range of 70 degrees F.
to 90 degrees F. is adequate. Calamondins do not grow well at temperatures below 55 degrees
F. Water plants as needed only, excess or lack of water will kill a tree. Allow the surface inch of
soil to become dry before watering. Although calamansi trees can bear fruit all year round
(depending on where the tree is located), its peak season is from mid-August to October in the
Philippines.

Calamansi Leaves___________________________

Leaves are somewhat round in shape, small in size

and extremely dark-green in colour. Gholivand and
Piryaei [6] reported that the EOs of Citrus
aurantium L. leaves contained 41 components
including limonene (62%), linalool (7.47%), trans-β-
ocimene (3.47%), caryophyllene (2.05%), α-
bisabolene (1.8%) and myrcene (1.18%)

Calamansi
Fruit__ __________________________

Calamansi (also known as kalamansi and

calamondin) is a small citrus fruit, with a
bright orange flesh and a peel that goes from green to orange as it ripens. It tastes sour with a
hint of sweetness, like a mix between a lime and a mandarin. It has a distinctive aroma –
citrusy and floral.

DALANDAN /Dalanghita/Sour Orange

Scientific Name: Citrus Auranium

Family: Rutaceae/ Citrus

Characteristics:

Dalandan oranges are small to medium in size,

averaging 5-9 centimeters in diameter, and are round
to obovate in shape. The shiny, green rind may be
blushed with patches of orange and is firm, thin,
pebbled with small oil glands, aromatic, and easily
peeled. It is easy to cultivate calamansi. This plant
grows well in cool and elevated areas and in sandy
soils rich in organic matter. Waterlogged areas are
not suitable for cultivation because calamansi plants
cannot tolerate too much moisture. To produce big, luscious fruits, it is recommended to
fertilize the plants regularly. Apply 50g to 100g ammonium sulfate or urea, around each tree
one month after planting. Do this every four (4) months but on the second year, increase the
amount of fertilizer to 200g or 300g. Use the same kind of fertilizer per tree every four months
thereafter. The tree bears fruit on the fourth year, it is best to apply complete fertilizer, like
ammophos and potash, to increase fruit yield at rate of 500g per tree. At 8 to 10 years old,
apply more fertilizers to the trees, from two to three kg per tree, three times a year

Dalandan Leaves___________________________

Leaves are oblong to subelliptic, 10 centimeters

long by about 4 centimeters wide. Petiole is
narrowly winged. Citrus aurantium (Dalandan) is
rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids that have
antioxidant and immunoboosting activities.

Dalandan
Fruit_ ___________________________

Dalandan oranges are small to medium in

size, averaging 5-9 centimeters in diameter, and
are round to obovate in shape. The shiny, green
rind may be blushed with patches of orange and is firm, thin, pebbled with small oil glands,
aromatic, and easily peeled.

LUCBAN /Pomelo/Chinese Grape

Fruit/ Shaddock/ Suha

Scientific Name: Citrus Maxima

Family: Rutaceae/ Citrus

Characteristics:

The pomelo tree may be 5–15 meters

(16–50 feet) tall, possibly with a crooked
trunk 10–30 centimeters (4–12 inches)
thick, and low-hanging, irregular
branches. Pomelo grows in lowland
tropics in elevation up to 400 m above sea
level with optimum temperatures of 23 to
30 °C. The annual rainfall requirement is 1
500 to 1 800 mm. Growing pomelo trees are not picky regarding their soil and will thrive
equally in clay, loam, or sand with a highly acidic and highly alkaline pH. Regardless of the soil
type, provide the pomelo with good drainage and water at least once a week. Pomelo season
usually runs from November to January in the Philippines. Pomelo is a citrus fruit native to Asia
and Malaysia. In fact, it is the largest citrus fruit! It has a 'sweet & sour' flavor' and a similar
taste to grapefruit. They have been described as 'sweet oranges' but less juicy.

Lucban Leaves_______________________________

Its leaves grow to about 15 cm wide. Oil glands on the

dark green leaves – seen as small dots – give them a
shiny appearance. The oval evergreen leaves have
broadly winged petioles (leaf stems) and are downy on
the undersurface, as are the young shoots. Studies have
reported the principal constituents of pomelo leaf
essential oil to be E-ocimene and β-pinene in China,
limonene, linalool, and citronellal in Iran, and
spathulenol and β-caryophyllene in Uttarakhand,
respectively.

Lucban
Fruit________ ________________________
Very large spheroid or almost pear-shaped fruits, which are lemon-yellow to green in colour
and have a sweet flavour. Pomelos contain high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C,
naringenin, naringin, and lycopene, which may offer various health benefits.

LANZONES/Langsat
Scientific Name: Lansium parasiticum

Family: Mahogany

Characteristics:

One of the most wholesome fruits in the tropics.

In the Philippines, it is a very popular dessert
fruit because of its sweet to sub-acid taste that
consumers do not seem to tire of eating.
Lansones is a tree growing to a height of 4 to 15
meters. It does best in the 20 – 35°C range.
However, the plant can thrive in the wide
temperature spectrum of 12 – 40°C. Lanzones
belongs to the humid tropical regions of the
rainforest, provided with full sun, high humidity,
and moist soil. Lanzones, is popularly grown in
Southern Tagalog (Laguna, Batangas, and
Quezon), Camiguin, Sulu, Davao del Norte, and Zamboanga del Norte. April to June is the
flowering season in Southern Tagalog while August to December marks the harvesting season
in Mindanao. Lanzones can be grown in many soil types but they perform better in sandy loam
to clay loam soil, well-drained, slightly acidic (5.3 to 6.5), and rich in organic matter. It is a
tropical fruit and cannot tolerate low temperatures.

Lanzones Leaves_____________________________________

Leaves are alternate, 20 to 40 centimeters long, with 5 to 7

leaflets, oblong to oblong-elliptic, 7 to 18 centimeters in
length, and pointed at both ends. The leaves and barks of the
lanzones tree have been traditionally used to treat malaria
and dysentery. The powdered bark is used as a poultice to
treat scorpion stings. Juice of the leaves is used as eye drops
to relieve inflammation.

Lanzones Fruit______________________________________
It bears a small, tangy, sour, and sweet combination of edible fruits that are similar to potatoes
on outer appearance, and inside they have white flesh containing inedible, bitter seeds.

RAMBUTAN/Usan/Usau/Usare
Scientific Name: Nephelium
lappaceum

Family: Sapindaceae

Characteristics:

The rambutan tree is an evergreen

tree, growing to a height of 20 m. The
leaves are dark green in color, flowers
are greenish white, fragrant. Fruit has thin reddish or orange-yellow rind covered with thick,
coarse hairs or long, soft spines on the surface. The name rambutan is derived from the Malay
word “rambut” which means “hair” and generally describing rambutan as a hairy fruit. In the
Philippines, rambutan is also locally known as “usan”, “usau” or “usare”. They flourish in warm
climates, making them suitable to grow in semi-tropical to tropical countries like the
Philippines. They flourish in temperatures ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius. Rambutan
can be grown from seed or seedling. They are in season from August to October but in other
parts of the country, some trees bear fruit in January. The soil, which is preferred for growing
Rambutan, is deep, clay loam or rich sandy loam soil and which contains rich organic matter.
The soil should be capable of well-draining the water. The depth of the soil should be about
2.0 m – 3.0 m.

Rambutan Leaves____________________________

The leaves are simple pinnate compound, 15 to 40

cm long, and arranged alternately. Leaflets are
elliptical and blunt, and up to eight leaflets are
arranged in pairs. Flowers are greenish-white, small
sized and occur in large bunches. The leaves are
dark green in color.

Rambutan Fruit______________________________
Rambutan fruits are round or ellipsoid with a leathery skin densely covered in soft spines up to
2 cm long. The fruits are yellow to crimson and grow up to 7 by 5 cm in size. The white juicy
flesh encloses an oval seed. The seeds are bitter and narcotic.

BALIMBING/Carambola/ Start Fruit

Scientific Name: Averrhoa bilimbi

Family: Oxalidaceae

Characteristics:

Balimbing is a small tree growing to a height

of 6 meters or less. The carambola tree is a
slow-growing small tree with somewhat
drooping branches. Balimbing trees thrive
best in warm temperatures. It is an active
grower during the summer when it
produces flowers and fruits in abundance.
But in tropical regions, the tree will flower
and fruit on and off, year-round. Providing
the tree with full sun is necessary for the best flowering and fruit set. When it comes to soil
requirements, balimbing can grow in a variety of soil but it’s ideal composition is a well-
draining, loamy soil that’s rich in organic matter. The tree should be regularly watered when
it’s young. Once established, water only when the soil is dry. Though growers can expect
fruiting all year round, recommended harvesting time is from May to August when the
heaviest crop comes in. There are no known serious diseases for the plant, but oriental fruitfly
is considered as its most mortal enemy.

Balimbing Leaves______________________________

Leaflets are smooth, usually in 5 pairs, ovate to ovate-

lanceolate, the upper ones about 5 centimeters long
and the lower ones smaller. Star fruit Leaves Medicinal
Uses: A decoction of leaves can help cure headaches,
ringworm, and chickenpox. aromatic bath. soft
compound leaves composed of 2–5 leaflets which are
green in color and arranged in a spiral around the
branches.

Balimbing Fruit________________________________
The star fruit is yellow or green in color. It comes in
two main types: a smaller, sour variety and a larger,
sweeter one. Star fruit — or carambola — is a sweet
and sour fruit that has the shape of a five-point star.
The skin is edible and the flesh has a mild, sour flavor
that makes it popular in a number of dishes.

LYCHEE/ Alligator Strawberry

Scientific Name: Litchi Chinensis

Family: Sapindaceae

Characteristics:

Lychee is therefore found growing

predominantly in the highlands of the
Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) in
the northern part of the country,
specifically in the provinces of Benguet and Mountain Province (municipality of Bauko), and in
Ilocos Sur (municipality of Cervantes). An evergreen tree reaching 10–28 meters tall. The
lychee tree is of medium height with a short stocky trunk and branches that are often crooked
and twisted. It is a slow growing tree with a dense round top and can reach 30 meters in
height. Lychee is one of the fruit crops that is very selective in its climatic requirements. In the
Philippines, it is therefore grown in areas with a continuous cool (approximately 15 to 19°C)
and dry period for almost a month and a warm and humid period after the trees have
flowered. Lychee is best suited on well-drained loam soil rich in organic matter and with a
preferred soil pH of 5.5-6.5. Better shoots and root growth are produced under these
conditions. Climate. High humidity and abundant soil moisture are necessary for lychee
cultivation.

Lychee Leaves__________________________

Its evergreen leaves, 12.5 to 20 cm (4.9 to 7.9

in) long, are pinnate, having 4 to 8 alternate,
elliptic-oblong to lanceolate, abruptly pointed,
leaflets, the bark is grey-black, the branches a
brownish-red. Its evergreen leaves are 12.5 to
20 cm (4.9 to 7.9 in) long, with leaflets in two
to four pairs.
Lychee Fruit____________________________

Lychees are round or oblong in shape and are

1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter. Their opaque
white flesh is fragrant and sweet, with floral
notes. The skin color is bright red, dull red,
purple–red or pinkish red, depending on
cultivar. Some cultivars also have distinctive
yellow blotches on the skin.

DURIAN/ King of Fruits

Scientific Name: Durio zibethinus

Family: Bombacaceae

Characteristics:

Durian trees can grow up to 40 m in height, with a

straight trunk and almost horizontal branches
near the upper region of the trunk. The bark is
grey to reddish brown, rough and scaly. Durian is
cultivated in Southeast Asia, particularly in
Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines,
where it is known as the King of Tropical Fruits.
Durian is native to the tropics, and needs an
environment that is hot (24-32°C) and moist with
75-80% humidity. It will not grow when mean
daily temperatures drop below 22°C. Rainfall: It requires an annual rainfall of 1500mm or
more. Durian is adapted to sandy loam and clay loam, with high organic matter, reasonably
deep and slightly acidic soil, pH of 5.6. In the Philippines, durian flowers usually bloom in April
to June and the durians are harvested in August to November. This gives the Philippines great
prospects for export as the harvest season is later than in other Southeast Asian countries.

Durian Leaves______________________________

Individual leaves are 6 - 20cm long and 3 - 9cm

wide, occurring in an alternate arrangement with a
glossy olive or dull green smooth upper surface and
velvety, shiny bronze lower surface due to the
dense covering of overlapping hairs or scales. The
bright yellow flowers are cauliflorous, produced directly on large branches in clusters of up to
30 flowers.

Durian Fruit________________________________

The outside is covered in a thick, brown rind

coated in large spikes, while the inside houses light
yellow, fleshy pods. Durian is often confused with
jackfruit since they are both large, spiky fruits used
in Asian cuisine.

LONGAN/Dragon’s Eye
Scientific Name: Dimocarpus longan

Family: Sapindaceae

Characteristics:

Depending upon climate and soil type

the tree may grow to over 100 feet (30
m) in height, but it typically stands 30–40
ft (9–12 m) in height and the crown is
round. The trunk is 2.5 ft (0.8 m) thick
with corky bark. Seedling trees may take up to 6 years to bear fruit, whereas air layered trees
may bear fruit 2 to 3 years after planting. Warm temperatures (70–85°F; 21–29°C) during
spring, followed by high summer temperatures (80–95°F; 27–35°C) and nonlimiting soil
moisture are best for fruit development. Warm and rainy winters are conducive to vegetative
growth and reduce flowering and fruit production. Longan trees thrive on various soil types
provided they are well-drained and they do well on sandy loams, sand, and calcareous, rocky
soils. Longan tree is a subtropical tree well adapted to tropical climates with distinctive wet or
dry periods and subtropical areas with a cool, nonfreezing fall or winter period.

Longan Leaves________________________

The leaves are oblong and blunt-tipped,

usually 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long and 2 in
(5 cm) wide. The leaves are pinnately
compounded and alternate. There are 6 to 9
pairs of leaflets per leaf and the upper
surface is wavy and a dark, glossy-green.
Leaves provide essential rotting stuff to the
soil, are free and easy to obtain, reduce the
need for harmful chemical fertilizers, prevent additional methane gas from being produced,
and benefit wildlife.

Longan Fruits_________________________

It is often called 'dragon's eye' due to its pale

white flesh with a central black seed.
However, it is less aromatic and has a hint of
musky flavour. From a nutrition standpoint,
longan fruit is a good source of B vitamins
and vitamin C.

KAMAGONG/ Malobo/ Velvet

Persimmon

Scientific Name: Diospyros blancoi

Family: Ebenaceae

Characteristics:

Kamagong, also known as mabolo, is a tree

that reaches a height of about 25 to 32 meters
and a diameter of 60 to 80 centimeters. The
bole is irregular, oftentimes bending shortly
above the ground. The bark is about three to
five millimeters thick, brown, rarely black, and
the inner pinkish. Kamagong is indigenous to
the low and medium altitude forests of the
Philippine Islands, from the island of Luzon to
the southernmost of the Sulu Islands, and is
commonly cultivated for its fruit and even
more as a shade tree for roadsides. It is known for its hardness and resistance to impact and is
one of the rarest and most expensive woods locally because of its commercial unavailability.
This is due to the fact that kamagong is an endangered tree species and is protected by
Philippine law. It became critically endangered due to massive loggings and kaingins with its
peak during the early 19600's. During the time the Philippines became the number one
explorer of hard woods.

Kamagong Leaves__________________________

The leaves are simple, alternate, and leathery in

texture, pointed at the apex, round or pointed at
the base. The upper surface is green and shiny,
the lower covered with soft, pale hairs. Leaves are leathery, oblong, up to 20 centimeters long,
with a round base and acute tip. The blade is glossy green, smooth above and softly hairy
below. Female flowers are axillary and solitary, larger than the male.

Kamagong Fruits___________________________

The fruit is large, rounded, fleshy, 7-9 cm in

diameter, densely covered with brown hairs,
edible with disagreeable odor but has a good
flavor. It contains seeds which are oblong to
ellipsoid, 2.5-3.0 cm X 1.6-2.0 cm.

SAGING/ Banana
Scientific Name: The scientific names of
bananas are Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana
or hybrids of Musa acuminata and balbisiana,
depending on their genomic constitution.

Family: Musaceae

Characteristics:

Saging can grow up to 7 meters in height that

has about 8 - 12 spirally arranged leaves that are
up to 2.7 meters long and 0.6 meter wide.
Banana plants thrive in tropical regions where
the average temperature is 80° F (27° C) and the
yearly rainfall is between 78 and 98 inches. Most
bananas exported are grown within 30 degrees either side of the equator. Banana trees thrive
in well-drained soil. When looking for the right type of soil, consider ones with a good mix of
peat, perlite, and vermiculite. A cactus or palm tree soil mixture is an excellent choice for
banana trees. The banana growth cycle has 3 stages: Vegetative development (6 months),
Flowering (3 months) and Fruit stage (3 months). This means the time between planting a
banana plant and the harvest of the banana bunch is from 9 to 12 months, depending on the
variety grown and growing conditions.

Banana Leaves_________________________________

Banana leaves are large in size, ranging from 30 to 50

centimeters in width and reaching up to two meters in
length, and have a wide-spreading, elongated nature.
There are approximately 8 to 12 leaves per plant, and
each leaf is broad, flat, and cylindrical with rounded edges. The most common known use of
banana leaves is to use it as a serving plate.

Banana Fruit___________________________________

firm, elongated but creamy white flesh enclosed in

fibrous skin jacket. Saging comes in many varieties but
ripe Saging are usually taken as dessert.

Banana
Types___________ ______________________

1. LAKATAN - Lakatan appears to be the most common

cultivar you’ll find in Manila, and is grown all over the
country. It has a bright, highly saturated yellow hue on
its just-thick-enough peel, with an easy-to-separate,
relatively flavorful inner lining. Its flesh has a distinct
yellow-to-orange color, pointing to high levels of Vitamin A.

2. LATUNDAN - Also very common around Manila (and said to

be the most common of the dessert varieties all around the
Philippines), Latundan is said to have been introduced from
India by a French clergyman, Letondal. Compared to Lakatan,
Latundan takes on a fatter form and pointier shape toward the
end. Its peel is thin, with barely any inner lining to be found,
and reveals a pale, borderline-white flesh.

3. SABA - Likely due to its wide variety of uses in

Philippine cuisine, Saba is said to be the “most
important cultivar” of all. This fatter and stubbier
banana is of the ‘cooking’ sort. You’ll find it in a number
of Filipino dishes, e.g. pochero or banana cue, and
products like banana ketchup. Their “hearts”, too, can
be cooked into dishes like burgers or sisig.

4. SEÑORITA - Smaller in scale compared to other cultivars

(we’ve encountered some that were literally smaller than our
thumbs), Señorita can also occasionally be found in a few
supermarkets in the Metro. It is similar to Lakatan in many
ways; it comes with a yellow-orange color on the peel with no
inner lining. Sweet and aromatic; less tangy and more on the custardy side, with a peculiar
"grassy" taste.

5. CAVENDISH - The Cavendish as we know it tends to be of a

similar overall shape as Lakatan, but bigger. It has a less
saturated-yellow hue on its flesh and skin. It develops freckle-
like spots, as it ripens, and has a less-flavorful inner lining. It’s
the “cleanest”-looking when at the proper ripeness.

6. LAGKITAN - Common in the Southern Tagalog Region, Lagkitan can

be had raw or cooked. Pale yellow somewhat like Saba but with a
shape similar to Latundan, Lagkitan tastes like a cross between the
two, carrying the former’s relative firmness and the latter’s thin peel.
You may occasionally find seeds in the banana centers.

7. BULKAN - We were unable to find sufficient information as to whether Bulkan is of its own
distinct cultivar. Or if it’s one and the same as Lagkitan with variations that may be due to the
difference in terroir. In any case, Bulkan shares many similarities with Lagkitan, save for what
seems to be a slightly more vivid yellow peel color as it ripens. It also has a more rounded
overall shape especially toward the tip (whereas Lagkitan tends to be narrower and pointier).

8. MORADO - This red-skinned variety is uncommon in

the Metro. But you’ll find it more commonly in areas such
as Mindoro and Baguio. Larger overall, Morado can take a
longer time to ripen compared to others. Past its thick red
peel—we had to use a knife to pry ours open—which
takes on a more orange-yellowish tinge as it ripens,
Morado is pale-yellow on the inside.

9. INABINAKO - Inabaniko resembles a closed human fist with

its clusters of tightly packed fingers. Similar to Saba's firm,
chewy, “meaty” flesh. We tried boiling a just-ripe piece to
compare it with a similar-sized, similar-ripeness piece of Saba.
We noticed Inabaniko had a more potato-like, starchy, less-
sweet character. Tangy like Saba, with a more rustic, grassy
quality. Other sources mention the presence of a “vanilla
flavor” we unfortunately were unable to detect.

10. BUNGULAN - Bungulan starts green and stays green,

even when ripe. (Although it does get slightly more
yellowish around the tips.). Similar to Lakatan—great
balance of seetness, tanginess, and creaminess. Though we
could almost swear it carries a more melon-like, bubblegum-y note. Multiple sources cite its
ability to make for great banana cakes.

11. UTUNGAN - Taken raw when ripe, it has a most distinct flavor
that is sweet, lush, and supremely tangy, with a distinct pineapple-
like note we can’t get enough of. Our experiments with cooking it,
however, only renders it bland and full of tannins that feel rough on
the tongue.

12. TINDOK - Tindok is described to be the most popular

plantain in the Philippines. It comes as huge, long pieces
with pointy, nipple-like ends. Similar to Lakatan, just
denser that it actually feels chewy. When ripe and raw,
it takes on a waxy texture and deep orange hue.

BUKO/ Coconut Palm Tree

Scientific Name: Cocos Nucifera

Family: Arecaceae

Characteristics:

Coconut palm is a tree with a slim

and smooth trunk, a crown of
leaves, and rounded, green or
yellow fruit. Its flowers grow in
clusters on a stem; a flowering
structure known as an inflorescence. The female flowers are larger than the male flowers, and
both are found on the same inflorescence. The leaves are long (up to 7 m/23 ft), pinnately
divided and composed of 200–250 tapering leaflets. Coconut trees thrive in the tropical
climate where temperatures sit mostly around 24 – 29 °C. Coconut palms don't like extreme
variations in temperature, so the Philippines is perfect. There's enough rain on a regular basis
and the trees actually grow well in a variety of soil types. The major soil types that support
coconut in India are laterite, alluvial, red sandy loam, coastal sandy and reclaimed soils with a
pH ranging from 5.2 to 8.0. Soil with a minimum depth of 1.2m and fairly good water holding
capacity is preferred for coconut cultivation. Coconuts are a natural product which are in
season all year long. They grow in bunches of 5 to 20 drupes and a new bunch begins to grow
every month, meaning a coconut palm can produce about 100-200 coconuts a year.
Buko Leaves___________________________________

The leaves are long (up to 7 m/23 ft), pinnately divided

and composed of 200–250 tapering leaflets. The
inflorescence is a spike produced at the leaf axil with
20–60 branches, each with a female flower at the base
and many male flowers. Coconut leaf is used as
construction material to make roofs. Coconut leaves
are also used in making brooms and toys.

Buko Fruit_____________________________________

Mature coconuts are ovoid or ellipsoid in shape, 30–45 cm

(12–18 inches) in length and 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) in
diameter. They have a thick fibrous husk surrounding the
single-seeded nut. A hard shell encloses the embryo with its
abundant endosperm, composed of both meat and liquid.

MARANG/ Madang
Scientific Name: Artocarpus Odoratissimus

Family: Moraceae

Characteristics:

Marang is a native tree of Borneo and the

Palawan and Mindanao islands, and is similar
to the bread tree. An evergreen plant, it grows
to 25 meters and has round fruits, which
become yellow-green when ripe and are
covered with thorns. Grows naturally in humid
to very humid tropical lowland climates,
generally areas with annual lows of 19 to 25°C,
annual highs of 27 to 35°C, annual rainfall of
1500 to 5000 mm and a dry season of 3
months or less. Marang may not thrive in areas where the average low of the warmest months
is below 16°C (61°F). In the Philippines, marang is generally grown in shaded areas up to 800 m
altitude, in rich, loamy, well-drained soils where there is abundant and equally distributed
rainfall (Coronel, 1983). Marang are seasonal with two main seasons – September-October and
occasionally December.

Marang Leaves________________________________

The leaves are oval, 15 to 50 cm (0.5 to 1.6 ft) long,

medium green, have lobed margins on seedling trees,
entire on mature trees and have a rough sandpaper
texture.

Marang
Fruit________ __________________________

Its fruits are subglobose, turning from green to

yellowish- brown when ripe. Marang fruits are
covered with rigid, hairy protuberances, around 1 cm
long. Each fruit contains many seeds surrounded with
white juicy pulp. Food (Fruit & Vegetable: The
edible fruit flesh is juicy, aromatic and sweet-
flavored.

SANTOL/ Cotton Fruit

Scientific Name: Sandoricum koetjape

Family: Meliaceae

Characteristics:

Santol, also known as cotton fruit, is a hardy,

vigorous tree growing up to 50 meters high with a
diameter of up to 100 centimeters. Its outside bark
is smooth but sometimes flaky with greyish to pale
pinkish-brown color while the inner bark is pale
brown or red-brown to pink and is exuding a milky
latex. The ideal climate is hot monsoonal with dry
winters and a mean annual temperature of 22°C; in
cooler conditions trees are deciduous. Mature trees
can withstand 40°C. The tree has been documented
to grow well in Florida in acidic sandy soil. However, it grows best in very loose and deep soil
with plenty of organic matter. The tree is very hardy and grows vigorously in both dry and
humid regions of the tropics. Fruit maturation takes about five months and in the Philippines
ripe fruits are present from June to October. Santol was only introduced in the Philippines but
is now thoroughly settled in the country. It is well-known in the Philippines and is located in
almost all provinces.

Santol Leaves_____________________________

Leaves are green elliptic to oblong-ovate in shape,

10 to 25 centimeters long, with pointed tips and
round bases. Santol grows numerous flowers
about one-centimeter-long, in greenish or
yellowish clusters. Decoction or infusion of leaves
used for baths to reduce fever. - Also, used for
diarrhea and as a tonic after childbirth. - Bark
poultice used for ringworm. - Bitter roots, bruised
with vinegar and water, is a carminative; used for
diarrhea and dysentery.

Santol Fruit_______________________________

Santol fruits are round to ovate, averaging 4 to 7

centimeters in diameter, and have a slightly
flattened shape. The skin is leathery, somewhat
fuzzy, and wrinkled, ripening from green to
golden yellow, and is sometimes covered in a red
blush.

CAMIAS/ Belimbing/ Tree Sorrel

Scientific Name: Averrhoa bilimbi

Family: Oxalidaceae

Characteristics:

Kamias is a small tree, growing 5 to 12

meters high. widely called kamias in the
Philippines and “cucumber tree” or “tree
sorrel” in English. Once common in all local
household backyards. Kamias is a tropical
species, it needs protection from cold and
wind. Ideally, rainfall should be rather
evenly distributed throughout most of the
year but there should be a 2- to 3-month
dry season. The tree makes slow growth in shady or semi-shady situations. While kamias does
best in rich, moist, but well-drained soil, it grows and fruits quite well on sand or limestone.
The kamias tree usually begins to flower in February then blooms and bear fruits more or less
continuously until December.

Kamias
Fruit_________________________________

Leaves are pinnate, 20 to 60 centimeters long, with

hairy rachis and leaflets. Leaflets are opposite, 10 to
17 pairs, oblong, 5 to 10 centimeters in length.
Bilimbi possesses antidiabetic, antihypertensive,
antithrombotic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective,
anticancer, and wound healing effects due to its
strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and
antimicrobial properties.

Kamias Fruit_________________________________

It is a fruit-bearing tree, and the small (4 cm in

length), green, acidic fruits have various culinary
uses. Kamias gives a sour flavor to dishes. One typical
recipe is sinigang na salmon sa kamias (salmon belly
in sour soup), which sees the fruits boiled and then
crushed to extract the flavor from the pulp.

CHESA/ Tiesa, Pouteria

Campechiana,Chesa, Egg Fruit Canistel

Scientific Name: Pouteria campechiana

Family: Sapotaceae

Characteristics:

The tisa tree is erect and generally no

more than 8 meters tall, but it may, in
favorable situations, reach a height of 27-30 meters. Indigenous to South America. Introduced
to the Philippines during the Spanish times. In the Philippines, Tiesa adapts well from sea level
to medium altitudes in areas with a short to long rainy season. Propagation may be done
through seeds with fifty-day germination, or through cleft grafting. Fruits are best harvested
from August to January when the fruits are fully matured and ripened. The plant is tolerant of
a diversity of soils–calcareous, lateritic, acid-sandy, heavy clay. It makes best vegetative growth
in deep, fertile, well-drained soil but is said to be more fruitful on shallow soil.

Chesa Leaves____________________________

Leaves are alternate, but mostly grouped as

whorls at the tips of the branches, obovate-
elliptic, 6-28 cm long and 2.5-8 cm wide, glossy,
bright green and bluntly pointed at the apex, more
sharply tapered at the base. The petioles are 5-25
cm long.

Chesa Fruit______________________________

Fruits are variable shaped (round, ovoid, obovoid,

sub-globose, spindle) berry, often with pointed
apex. Unripe fruit is green skinned, hard and
gummy internally. On ripening, the skin turns
lemon yellow, golden yellow or pale orange yellow,
very smooth and glossy. The calyxes are 5 pointed
at the base, which may be rounded or with a
distinct depression. Immediately beneath the skin,
the yellow skin is relatively firm and mealy with a
few fine fibers. Towards the center of the fruit it is
softer and pastier. The flavor is sweet more or less musky.