With so much to see and discover, one will always find a rare gem in the Philippines. It’s probably no surprise that plant enthusiasts and nature lovers will find this country absolutely exciting!
The Philippines is an archipelago with a tropical climate. With close proximity to the equator, it has a hot and humid climate with a little bit of rain that creates the right condition for tropical plants.
Get to know the Philippines from a slightly different perspective as we highlight some of the rarest and most interesting tropical plants that are especially found here.
Philippine Jade Vine | Photo: Gracethang2 | Shutterstock ID No. 1182449413
Rare Tropical Plants in the Philippines
Jade Vine: Rare Flower in the Philippines
Philippine Jade Vine or locally known as Tayabak is native to the Philippines. It has a unique claw-like shape that hangs on a tree. Jade Vine Flower blooms turquoise or aquamarine flower. Its striking color and interesting appearance makes it one of the rarest flowers in the world. It typically blooms from March to April.
Also called Emerald Vine, the Philippine Jade Vine is truly a sight to behold. This rare tropical plant only thrives in tropical rainforests with rich biodiversity. 8 species of Jade Vine are considered endemic to the Philippines.
Recently, a rare species of Jade Vine was spotted at Masungi Georeserve in Rizal.
Rafflesia: Largest Flower in the World
Rafflesia is one of the rarest and is considered the biggest flower in the world. It is most known for its massive, red-color petals and incredible foul smell. They use this unusual smell to actually attract pollinators.
10 out of 28 known species of Rafflesia are found in the Philippines. Some of them are considered endemic, including Rafflesia Manillana and Rafflesia Philippensis.
The biggest species, known as Rafflesia Arnoldii can grow up to 100 centimeters (40 inches) in diameter. On the other hand, the smallest species, known as Rafflesia Manillana, measures about 20 cm in diameter (20 inches).
Rafflesias are found in tropical rainforests including Mt. Apo in Davao. Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Mt. Banahaw bordering Laguna and Quezon and other regions.
Philippine Jade Vine | Photo: Mohamed Taz Chertii | Shutterstock ID No. 1591917337
Nepenthes Sibuyanensis and Nepenthes Peltata: Carnivorous Pitcher Plant
Pitcher Plant is an exotic plant that has an orange or red color globulous pitcher. They use this pitcher to trap. The trap contains a watery fluid produced by plants which they use to drown the prey which is usually winged insects.
The largest species of pitcher plants in the world such as Nepenthes Rajah and Nepenthes Rafflesiana may occasionally catch small vertebrates such as rats and lizards.
Two of the endemic species of pitcher plant found in the Philippines are:
Nepenthes Sibuyanensis, a carnivorous pitcher plant that is endemic to Mt. Guiting-Guiting in Sibuyan Island (also dubbed as “Galapagos of Asia”. You can read more about Sibuyan Island here.
Nepenthes Peltata is another endemic species found on the upper slopes of Mount Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental.
Endangered Plants in the Philippines
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has enlisted the following as critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable plant species.
Poaching and the illegal acquisition of these wild plants that are classified as critically endangered species will be punishable by Philippine law. Under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, violators can face imprisonment from 6 to 12 years and a fine of P100,000 to P1,000,000 as specified under the law. | Source: Manila Bulletin
Tropical Foliage Plants: Ornamental House Plants in the Philippines
Tropical Bromeliad
With over 3000 known species, Bromeliad is a very interesting and incredibly diverse family of plants. It is native to a tropical climate and grows well in warm, shady and wet areas. They are characterized by its hardy leaves and striking foliage with attractive colors and variegations.
Colorful foliage of Bromeliads | Photo: Dinodentist | Shutterstock ID No. 331018550
Dumb Canes
Dumb Canes or also known as Dieffenbachia is a very familiar houseplant, sold in many plant stores. It has long pointed leaves with unique green and white colorations. It is easy to care for plant which makes it perfect for beginners. It is an excellent ornamental plant but poisonous when ingested. It is said to contain toxic sap that can harm humans and pets that may cause swelling and irritation. For this reason, the plant was then called “dumb cane”.
Philodendron Xanadu
Philodendron Xanadu also known as Philodendron Winterbourn, is widely cultivated in tropical or subtropical areas like the Philippines. It has glossy and thick green leaves that form dense clumps growing up to 1.5 tall and 2 meters wide.. It is also known as a tropical flowering plant that blooms dark red spathes when grown in the right conditions.
Elephant Ear Plant
Elephant Ear is an eye-catching tropical plant that belongs to the family of Alocasia and Colocasia.
It is most known to have a dramatic foliage that typically draws attention because of its massive size and striking color of green to almost black. It is one of the most coveted house plants for many plant enthusiasts.
Croton Plant
Croton plants are native to tropical Asian countries and are found all over the Philippines. They prefer warm conditions and don’t like the colder climate as their leaves may easily turn brown. They are mostly grown outdoors but can also do well as an indoor plant. They have a rich line-up of colors ranging from bright yellow, orange, red, green, violet, black, or a combination of these.
Indoor Palm Plants
Palms are typically large tropical plants characterized by its classic long green leaves. It is getting more popular as an indoor plant nowadays. Their size is dependent on the area and condition where you grow them. They mostly prefer dry areas, with partial humidity and partial shade. Whether indoor or outdoor, palms add a strong tropical vibe in any space you place them. Examples of indoor palm plants are Areca Palm, Lady Palm (also known as Rhapis Excelsa), Kentia Palm and more.
Perhaps, you might be interested to read more about other houseplants that are increasingly becoming popular especially during the lockdown: https://kapwatravel.com/blog/house-plants-a-growing-trend-in-the-new-normal/
Tropical Flowering Plants
Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical Hibiscus is native to temperate and tropical countries like the Philippines. They are sun-loving flowering plants. It can be found all over the country which is locally known as “Gumamela”. They produce lovely blooms of big flowers in different colors such as: red yellow orange pink purple white Or sometimes a combination of these.
Heliconia Rostata
This interesting plant goes by many names, including Lobster Claw, Parrot Flower and Birds of Paradise. Heliconia flower has a unique shape where most of its common names were derived from. Its flower is usually in vibrant red with a touch of orange, yellow and green on its tips.
Anthurium Plant
There are about 1,000 anthurium plant varieties and many of which are popularly grown as houseplants. It has a very interesting foliage making it a popular choice for plant collectors. They bloom vibrant flowers that comes in different colors and sizes which are also called Tailflower, Flamingo Flower or Laceleaf.
Although they are typically a flowering plant, some anthuriums are adored primarily for its impressive leaf foliage, like this Anthurium Magnificum that has a velvety green leaf with silvery linings. Such a beauty!
Tropical Fruit Trees in the Philippines
We have also included a list of tropical fruit trees that are unique to the Philippines. Many of which grow abundantly in a certain local or province.
Lanzones
It is a seasonal tropical fruit which grows uniquely in the Philippines. Lanzones fruits are usually small and are clumped together almost similar to the clumped appearance of grapes. The skin color is yellow with some brown spots. It has a rough skin which you will have to peel off in order to get the actual fruit. It has a blend of sweet yet sour taste. It has a small seed that tastes bitter when bitten.
Lanzones abundantly in the island of Camiguin and they also hold an annual celebration of Lanzones Festival every October.
Abundant Lanzones fruits | Photo: Augustine Bin Jumat | Shutterstock ID No. 1476741125
Mangosteen
Mangosteen is commonly known as the “Queen of Fruit” because of the crown-like structure of its fruit. Mangosteen has a dark-violet or red-purple skin which is now often used for medicinal purposes because of its jam-packed nutrients.
It has white juicy fruit inside. Using your strongest finger or a knife, you need to break the skin in half to get its fruit. The taste resembles that of a lanzones but, juicier. It has a sweet and sour taste that will make you crave for more. Mangosteen grows abundantly in Davao. You can read more about Davao here: https://kapwatravel.com/blog/davao-city
Mangosteen and Rambutan | Photo: Kanokarn K | Shutterstock ID No. 1155756265
Rambutan
Another exotic tropical fruit found in the Philippines is this red hairy fruit locally known as “Rambutan”. Similar to a lychee, it has a sweet tasting white flesh attached to its big rounded seed. Lychee and Rambutan belong to the same family of Sapindaceae or Soapberry but they are two different fruits. Rambutan grows well in the northern part of the Philippines particularly in CALABARZON Region and Ilocos Sur.
Dragon Fruit
Dragon Fruit or also known as Pitaya is a very interesting fruit covered in bright pink or red skin with somewhat spiky edges. Inside, you will find a white juicy flesh with tiny black seeds embedded on it. They grow well in tropical climates. Ilocos Region is known to have the largest production of this fruit in the Philippines.
Durian
Durian is a more popular fruit to many because of its renowned reputation of having a stinky smell. Others love it while others are disgusted by it. Davao is tagged as “Durian Capital of the Philippines” where the abundance of this fruit is at the highest. Aside from Durian, Davao is also home to the country’s sweetest Pomelos and Mangosteens.
Sapodilla Tree / Chico
This tree bears a unique fruit locally known as Chico. Inside, its flesh ranges from a pale yellow to an earthy brown color with a grainy texture akin to that of a well-ripened pear.
Calamansi
It is a lemon or citrus fruit that is native to the Philippines. It is generally smaller than the usual size of a lemon. The typical size of a Calamansi is only about an inch or 25-35 millimeter (mm) in diameter. It is dominantly used all over the country as condiment or as an important element in most Filipino cuisine. Its juice also creates a rich flavourful lemonade or an add-on to your favorite cup of tea.
Calamansi Fruits | Photo: Kamal Masrun | Shutterstock ID No. 1760939528
Pili Nuts
Pili is a tropical tree that produces edible nuts quite similar to almonds. Its fruit has a dark purple color when ripened and contains fibrous pulp inside. To eat it, you need to blanch the fruit in hot water to soften its flesh. Some dip in a fish sauce (locally known as “patis”) for an added flavor and could be eaten alone or along with rice. What remains after eating the flesh is a hard nutshell that contains the pili nut. The delicate pili nut is extracted by breaking or crushing the hard shell.
Bicol Region is the center of production of Pili in the country – offering varied and very tasteful delicacies such as pili tart, caramelized pili, pili brittle and more. The hard shells are also made into bags, lampshade or other home decoration. It is a favorite souvenir or pasalubong for anyone who visit Bicol.
Other Tropical Fruit Trees
Aside from the above-mentioned fruits, Philippines is also home to the more popular fruits such as Mango, Banana, Strawberry, Watermelon, Pineapple, Papaya and more.
Bonsai Forest in the Philippines
Bonsai enthusiasts will also find interesting treasures in the Philippines.
Bonsai Forest (or Pygmy Forest) in Mt. Hamiguitan, Davao Oriental is considered the largest bonsai forest in the Philippines with a total land area of 1,000 hectares. It is home to a plethora of biodiversity including an interesting collection of miniature bonsai. Mt. Hamiguitan also has a high level of endemicity thereby making it one of the protected areas in the country.
Bonsai Forest at Loreto, Dinagat Island
I have a farm. I want to plant permaculture, native and rare food plants.