Types of plants. Different herbs that can be found in the Philippines. Medicinal Plants and native trees of the Philippines

1. Dr. Maribel Tubera,UAP, PIEP, MsCM, DB
*For educational purposes only
PLANTS

2. CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS
1. PLANTS ARE CLASIFFIED BY SIZE:
a) VERY SMALL
b) MEDIUM
c) TALL

3. 2. PLANTS ARE CLASIFFIED BASED ON THE NATURE OF THE
STEM:
a) THICK AND HARD
b) THIN AND HARD
c) GREEN AND TENDER THAT CAN STAND STRAIGHT
d) WEAK THAT CANNOT STAND STRAIGHT
CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS

4. CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS
3. PLANTS ARE CLASIFFIED BY WHERE THE
BRANCHES APPEAR:
a) AT THE BASE OF THE STEM
b) AT THE UPPER OR HIGHER PART

5. TYPES OF PLANTS
1. HERBS
• Herbs are small plants less
than 1m high.
• They have green, tender stems
with few branches.
• Tomato, Mint and Brinjal
plants are some examples of
herbs.

6. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Morus nigra (Black mulberry)
is rich in health-benefitting
phytonutrients, polyphenolic
antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins,
vitamins, and minerals. Its anthocyanin
content is responsible for combating
cancer, aging, neurological diseases,
inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial
infections according to scientific
studies.

7. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Corchorus olitorius (Saluyot) is rich in
polyphenolic antioxidants, flavonoids,
saponins, tannins, steroids, triterpenes,
vitamins, and minerals. Studies show
that the leaf extract possesses inhibitory
activity towards α-amylase, α-
glucosidase, and angiotensin I converting
enzyme (ACE) thus making it useful to
combat diabetes and high blood
pressure. Such enzyme inhibitory
activities are attributed to the presence
of specific compounds called caffeic
acid, chlorogenic acid, and
isorhamnetin.

8. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Capsicum fructescens (Sili) is a rich
source of antioxidants, alkaloids,
flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids,
vitamin C, and vitamin E. Capsaicin is the
predominant compound present in
cayenne pepper that possesses pain
desensitization and analgesic property
that is useful for chronic pain associated
with rheumatoid arthritis, post-herpetic
neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and other
pain syndromes. It also has anti-
inflammatory, bactericidal, antifungal,
and anti-diabetic properties.

9. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Origanum vulgare (Philippine Oregano)
contains rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid,
thymol, and carvacrol that have anti-
inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant,
antifungal and antiviral properties.
Oregano also consists of flavonoids,
triterpenoids, vitamins, and minerals.

10. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil) and
its extract possess lipoxygenase
inhibitory, antihistaminergic,
immunomodulatory,
chemoprotective, radioprotective,
and antisecretory activities.

11. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Phyllanthus niruri (Sampa-
sampalukan) consists of active
phytochemicals, flavonoids,
alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans,
polyphenols, tannins, coumarins
and saponins.
Niruside, a specific compound
present in Sampa-sampalukan,
was identified to have HIV-1
Reverse transcriptase inhibition
thus making it a potential anti-
HIV agent. Another compound
also present in Sampa-
sampalukan is ellagic acid which
possesses aldose reductase
inhibition making it useful for
diabetes.

12. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Andrographis paniculata (Sinta)
contains diterpene compounds called
andrographolide, 14-
deoxyandrographolide, and 14-
deoxy-11, 12-
didehydroandrographolide. Studies
show that andrographolide is the
major component of Andrographis
extracts. Andrographolide is the main
bioactive constituent that has
anticancer activity tested on diverse
human cancer cells.

13. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle)
is rich in vitamins, minerals,
and bioactive polyphenolic
compounds such as flavonols
and anthocyanins (natural red
pigments) which are
supported by scientific
studies to have impressive
antioxidant properties,
effective in reducing blood
pressure and aid in blood
glucose control.

14. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Curcuma longa (Turmeric) contains
curcuminoids (natural vibrant yellow
pigments) which include curcumin,
demethoxycurcumin, and
bisdemethoxycurcumin. Turmeric also
contains volatile oils (turmerone, atlantone,
and zingiberone). Extensive research and
clinical trials indicate that curcumin, the
primary bioactive constituent of turmeric, is a
powerful natural antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory that leads to the improvement
of cardiovascular health, digestive health,
brain, liver, lung, and kidney function, joint
inflammation suppression, allergy prevention,
reduction of high blood sugar and lipids,
strengthening the immune system, and
cancer prevention.

15. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Zingiber officinale (Ginger)
rhizome extracts consist of
phenylalkylketones or vanillyl
ketones which include gingerol,
shogaol, paradol,
dehydrogingerdione, and
gingerdione. However, gingerol
and shogaol are the primary
phytoconstituents providing the
greatest bioactivity. They are
reported to demonstrate
antiemetic, antipyretic, analgesic,
anti-arthritic, immunomodulatory,
and anti-inflammatory activities.

16. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Blumea balsamifera (Sambong) contains
sesquiterpenes identified as blumeaenes and
samboginone, and antioxidant flavonoids
such as blumeatin, quercetin, rhamnetin,
tamarixetin, and luteolin. The volatile oil
obtained from Sambong consists of camphor,
borneol, isoborneol, terpineol, caryophyllene,
guaiol, and eugenol. Sambong displays a
variety of biological activities such as
antitumor, hepatoprotective, antioxidant,
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-
melanogenic, platelet aggregation, wound
healing, and anti-obesity properties. It is
used as herbal treatment for kidney stones,
cuts or wounds, rheumatism, diarrhea,
spasms, colds, coughs, and hypertension.

17. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) is
good for digestion and is popularly
used to treat digestive problems or
stomachache due to constipation,
bloating, or indigestion. It is rich in
vitamins, minerals, and
phytoconstituents such as flavonoids
and phenolic compounds, which
consist of luteolin, isoorientin 2’-O-
rhamnoside, quercetin, kaempferol,
and apiginin. The phytoconstituents
identified in lemongrass essential oils
that contain Citral α, Citral β, Nerol
Geraniol, Citronellal, Terpinolene,
Geranyl acetate, Myrecene, and
Terpinol Methylheptenone.

18. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Orthosiphon stamineus (Cat’s
Whiskers) is commonly used to
treat renal inflammation,
kidney stones, and dysuria. It
contains antioxidant
compounds like rosmarinic
acid, beta-sitosterol, ursolic
acid, glycolic acid,
methylripariochromene A,
bioflavonoids, and oleanolic
acid. Methylripariochromene A
present in the herb could
decrease systolic blood
pressure.

19. Philippine Medicinal Herbs
Euphorbia hirta (Tawa-tawa) is
also called Gatas-gatas
because of the healing
properties of its milky juice. It
contains contain triterpenes,
phytosterols, tannins,
polyphenols, and flavonoids.
This herb has gained
widespread attention because
of its ability to help patients
recover from dengue.

20. TYPES OF PLANTS
2. SHRUBS
• Shrubs are medium-sized
plants about 1-3 m in height.
• They have thin and hard stems
with branches that arise near
the base of the stem.
• Rose, Hibiscus and Lemon
plants are some examples of
shrubs.

21. SHRUBS
Hibiscus syriacus is a species of
flowering plant in the mallow family,
Malvaceae. It is native to south-central
and southeast China, but widely
introduced elsewhere, including much
of Asia

22. SHRUBS
Santan Flower (Ixora Coccinea)
Ixora is a genus of flowering
plants in the Rubiaceae family.
Ixora or commonly known as the ”
Red Santan”. Santan is widely
cultivated as a landscape and
garden plant. Flower colors would
range from crimson red, yellow,
orange to cream and pure white.
Though we have our native
varieties, none of these garden-
popular santans is proudly
Philippine native.

23. SHRUBS
Rose, (genus Rosa), genus of
some 100 species of perennial
shrubs in the rose family
(Rosaceae). Roses are native
primarily to the temperate regions
of the Northern Hemisphere. Many
roses are cultivated for their
beautiful flowers, which range in
colour from white through various
tones of yellow and pink to dark
crimson and maroon, and most
have a delightful fragrance, which
varies according to the variety and
to climatic conditions.

24. TYPES OF PLANTS
3. TREES
• Trees are tall
and generally
over 3m in
height.
• They have
thick, hard
and brown
stems, with
branches that
arise from the
upper part of
the stem.

25. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
KATMON (Dillenia
philippinensis)
Katmon is found only in
the Philippines, being
common in forests of low
and medium altitude
throughout the islands in
primary and secondary
forests. It can also be
used for urban greening
and is a favorite among
garden enthusiasts.

26. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
MOLAVE (Vitex parviflora)
"Molave forests" can be found all
throughout the Philippines. It is
common in both secondary and open
primary forests at low altitude. Aside
from the Philippines, Molave is also
native to Indonesia and Malaysia.
Molave can grow up to 30 meters
and its wood is one of the hardest.
It is used in railroad ties, ship-
building, and high-grade construction
where strength and durability is
necessary.

27. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
BANI (Milletia pinnata; syn.
Pongamia pinnata)
A legume tree, Bani grows to
about 15–25 meters in height
with a large canopy
spreading wide. It may be
deciduous (sheds it leaves)
for short periods. It is often
used as a windbreak or for
shade due to the large
canopy and showy fragrant
flowers.
Bani's flowers are small
clusters of white, purple and
pink. The flowers are used
by gardeners as compost for
plants requiring rich
nutrients.

28. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
ILANG-ILANG (Cananga odorata)
Ilang-ilang originates in the
Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
It is a medium-sized tree reaching a
height of up to 40 meters tall.

29. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
BANABA (Lagerstroemia speciosa)
Banaba is native to tropical southern
Asia. Known also as the Pride of
India, It is also widely cultivated as
an ornamental plant in tropical and
subtropical areas.
The leaves of the Banaba and other
parts are used widely in the
Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan for tea
preparation. Each flower has six white
to purple petals and blooms only once
in a year at the peak of summer.
Banaba is also one of the 69 herbal
plants promoted by the Department of
Health (DOH).

30. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
MALABULAK (Bombax ceiba)
Malabulak is often mistaken as the
Fire Tree (Delonix regia) – originally
from Madagascar – or the Caballero
(Caesalpinia pulcherrima) –
introduced from tropical America –
because of its similarly vibrant red
flowers. In Tagalog, it is also known
as Buboi-gubat, and Taglinau. It
closely resembles the Kapok (Ceiba
pentandrum) which is an introduced
species.

31. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
DAP-DAP (Erythrina orientalis)
Dap-dap is a thorny deciduous tree
growing to 27 meters tall. In the
Philippines, it is commonly found along
seashores and is frequently planted
inland.
Dap-dap's flowers are large and
numerous with bright red petals. It is used
in traditional medicine across its native
area including the Philippines, China and
India to treat a range of aliments including
joint pain and parasitic infections.

32. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
SALINGBOBOG (Crateva
religiosa)
The fruit of the tree is edible and
high in vitamin C. Salingbobog's
leaves are traditionally used to
treat irregular menstruation. Its
flowers are greenish-yellow
which turns purplish later. The
flowers are filled with nectar,
making it attractive to many
insects and birds.

33. PHILIPPINE NATIVE TREES
NARRA (Pterocarpus indicus)
The Philippines' national tree,
Narra is found in primary and
secondary forests at low and
medium altitudes throughout the
country.
Narra's purplish rose-scented
hardwood is much sought-after in
the furniture-making industry
primarily because it is generally
termite-resistant. Its slightly
fragrant yellow or yellow-orange
flowers bloom from February to
May and are a source of honey.

34. TYPES OF PLANTS
3. CREEPERS
• Creepers are plants that have
weak stems and cannot stand
upright.
• Plants like strawberry spread
on the ground.

35. CREEPERS
ARACEAE FAMILY

36. TYPES OF PLANTS
4. CLIMBERS
• Climbers climb up with a
support.
• Plants like the Grape Vine
and Money Plant are
climbers.

37. TYPES OF PLANTS
4. CLIMBERS
• Climbers climb up
with a support.
• Plants like the Grape
Vine and Money Plant
are climbers.

41. Agoho
Casuarina equisetifolia Linn.
IRON WOOD
 Agoho is a large, evergreen tree, tall and straight, up to 20 meters
high. Crown is narrowly pyramidal, resembling some of the conifers in
appearance.
 Bark is brown and rough.
 Distribution
- Throughout the Philippines along sandy seashores, extending inland
in open sandy valleys along streams.
- Sometimes growing at altitudes as high as 800 meters.
- Cultivated in Manila and large towns as an ornamental foliage tree
or hedge plant.
- Also planted to check erosion.

42. Bagras
Eucalyptus deglupta Blume
RAINBOW GUM
 Eucalyptus deglupta is a huge evergreen tree that may attain a height
of more than 50 meters.
 Trunk makes up 50 to 70% of the tree height, about 250 cm diameter,
with buttresses 3 to 4 meters high. Bark is smooth, yellow, orange or
brown, becoming green after flaking.
 Distribution
- In Mindanao where they are found in the lowland primary forests.
- Planted in parks and gardens in urban areas in the Philippines, but
not common.

43. Bagalunnga / Paraiso
Malunggaian
Melia azedarach L.
BEAD TREE
 Malunggaian is a handsome, deciduous tree growing 6 to
15 meters high.
 Bole is straight and cylindrical, without branches up to
10 meters.
 Distribution
- Along the seashore, and in thickets and secondary
forests , etc., and inland, at low and medium altitudes.
- In Ilocos Norte, Quezon, Bulacan, Bataan, Rizal, and
Camarines Provinces in Luzon; and in Mindoro, Negros,
Cebu, Siquijor, Bohol, and Mindanao.

44. Talisay
Terminalia catappa L.
TROPICAL ALMOND
 Talisay is a large, deciduous tree, reaching a height of 20 to 25
meters, smooth or nearly so.
 Branches are horizontally whorled.
 Leaves are shiny, obovate, 10 to 25 centimeters long, tapering below
to a narrow and heart-shaped base with a expanded rounded apex.
 Distribution
- Found throughout the Philippines along seashores.
- A common inland tree preferred for its umbrella-type shade.

45. Alibangbang
Bauhinia malabarica Roxb.
MALABAR ORCHID
 Alibangbang is a small but stocky tree growing to a height of 8 to 10
meters.
 Bark is yellowish-brown. Branches are freely rebranched, with a dense
crown, the ultimate ones smooth.
 Distribution
- Very common on open, dry slopes, in regions with long dry seasons in
Luzon (Ilocos Norte to Laguna).

46. Binayuyo
Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn
BLACK CURRANT TREE
 Binayuyo is a small deciduous tree growing to a height of 16 meters.
 Bark is light grey.
 Leaves are simple, alternate, shortly petioled, broadly elliptic or
orbicular obovate, 6 to 11 centimeters long; margins entire and
pubescent; base rounded, rarely obtuse; apex rounded, sometimes
mucronate.
 Distribution
- Found in southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos,
Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, Philippines

47. Narra
Pterocarpus indicus Willd.
ROSEWOOD
 - Narra is the Philippine national tree,
- It was declared the national tree of the Philippines in 1934 by
Governor-General Frank Murphy of the Insular Government of the
Philippine Islands through Proclamation No. 652.
 Narra is a majestic reddish hard wood tree, growing to 33 meters nigh
and 2 meters in diameter with an irregular fluted trunk. Leaves are
compound, pinnate, 15 to 30 centimeters long, with 7 to 11 leaflets
which ovate to oblong-ovate, and 5 to 10 centimeters long.
 Distribution
- forests at low and medium altitudes throughout the Philippines.
- Grown from seeds and cuttings.

48. Tekla
Tectona grandis L.f.
TEAK
 Tekla is an erect, large, deciduous tree growing up to 20 meters or
more.
 Distribution
- Planted in various parts of the Philippines, especially parts of
Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.

49. Baguio pine
Pinus insularis Endl.
 Baguio pine is a tall trees growing to 30 to 40 meters with a diameter
of 140 centimeters.
 Bark is dark brown, irregularly flaking, deeply fissured. Wood with
numerous resin canals. Branches are spreading, longest at the base
and shorter upwards.
 Distribution
- Found in the elevated areas of Baguio City and the mountain
province. Its prevalence in Baguio has has earned the name "The City
of Pines."
- Occasionally seen in the Metro Manila and other lowland areas,
albeit, growing poorly.

50. Bahai (Ormosia calavensis
Azaola ex Blanco)
 The bahai tree grows up to 20 meters high. Its bole is
cylindrical, 60 centimeters in diameter, and eight meters long.
It has buttresses.
 The bark of a bahai tree is gray or dark brown and rough. The
under-bark is pale yellow and less than 25 millimeters in
thickness. The bark has no sap and the terminal buds are not
enclosed by leaves.
 The bahai tree can be found in Cagayan; the Ilocos Povinces in
Luzon; and Surigao and Zamboanga in Mindanao, particularly
in forests at low and medium altitudes. This tree is found
scattered in dipterocarp forests.

51. References
 https://www.celineism.com/2016/06/9-philippine-
native-trees-better-than-cherry-blossoms.html
 https://www.herbanext.com/philippine-medicinal-
herbs/saluyot
 https://www.herbanext.com/philippine-medicinal-herb
 https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/native-plants-of-
the-philippines.html
 https://www.pinoy-
entrepreneur.com/2012/01/11/anthurium-production/
 http://stuartxchange.com/