Banaba a Family of the Crape Myrtle.

Banaba, with scientific name Lagerstroemia Speciosa, is a tree that is both considered as ornamental and medicinal. I googled its scientific name and discovered that according to Wikipedia, Banaba is also known as Giant Crape-Myrtle or Queen's Crape-Myrtle. How cool is that! Did you know that there are many varieties of Crape Myrtle in the world and that they are one of the most beautiful trees you will ever find in this planet? After all, the word "speciosa" in latin means "the beautiful". That is why in the Philippines, Banaba is widely planted as a landscaping material especially along parks and roadsides.

If you are familiar with the Filipino term Pito-Pito, which literally means seven-seven or seven herbal ingredients, Banaba leaves is included to create an effective poultice or tea to treat light to moderate sickness such as fever, diarrhea, asthma and many more. I have even read an article that every part of this tree from the leaves, roots and bark contain medicinal properties in preventing cancer.

TIPPING THE SCALE OF NATURE

Let us try to understand the basic relationship of Man (representing the larger part of the animal kingdom) and Trees (representing the major group of plant life).

Man needs the following in order to survive:

1) H2O or water

2) O or Oxygen from the atmosphere

3) Food from meat of animals and organisms and plant matter, which are all cellular substances.

Trees need the following in order to survive:
1) H2O or water
2) CO2 or Carbon Dioxide
3) Sunlight from the sun for photosynthesis
4) Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) and other trace elements from the soil

==============================================

- Man produce carbon dioxide as main by-product, which will be used by plants and trees
- Excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere trap heat of the sun (greenhouse effect)
- Accummulation of heat causes global warming

MAN VS. TREES

- SUPPOSE TO BE A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP

- Trees produce oxygen as by-product, which in turn will be inhaled by man

- Carbon is stored in the trees.

- Forests are cleared by man for development and commercial lumber

- Lumber or wood (made up of cellular matter) decomposes in time or used as fossil fuel

- Carbon dioxide is then released in large quantities in the atmosphere

- Greenhouse effect will follow

==============================================

As a result of this imbalance, life for man and animals will be hard. Aside from the severe climatic changes that will occur, food for the ever growing population of man will be scarce. Chaos will gradually follow and mass death of every living thing............NEXT IS EVOLUTION.

*According to the Wikipedia, "Charcoal is the blackish residue consisting of impure carbon obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances. Charcoal is usually produced by slow pyrolysis, the heating of wood, sugar, bone char or other substances in the absence of oxygen (see pyrolysis, char and biochar). The resulting soft, brittle, lightweight, black, porous material resembles coal and is 85% to 98% carbon with the remainder consisting of volatile chemicals and ash."

AMUGIS SEEDLINGS SALE - OLD PRICE UPTO END OF MARCH 2010.......BUY NOW!

Local Name: AMUGIS

Scientific Name: KOORDERSIODENDRON

PINNATUM

Seeds Collected From: LAGUNA

Additional Info: Please read previous blog below.

Quantity: 50pcs.

Height: 1 feet

Price: P50 each (price available until end of March 2010)

Contact Number: 0917-8834691

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL TREE.

NARRA tree (Pterocarpus Indicus) - there are two forms enumerated in Justo P. Rojo's book, Revised LEXICON OF PHILIPPINE TREES.

- Narra (Pterocarpus Indicus forma Indicus) with smooth seed pods
- Prickly Narra (Pterocarpus Indicus forma Echinatus) with prickly seed pods

Both recognized forms are highly regarded as ornamental trees and prized for their much sought lumber to be used as furniture, construction and decorative elements for houses or decorative items which require the use of wood. Although I believe that there may be other forms which we may not be aware of. Some species possess characteristics of having broad leaves, narrow small leaves, upright acute stems, drooping stems, whitish-yellowish-orange-red colored lumber and even flowers may differ from yellow variants to orange colored flowers. I have even heard of a local from Laguna speak of a Narra tree called "Puting Narra" or white Narra tree, which is very fast growing in my observation compared to others. Whichever it is, I hope that experts will be able to distinguish and classify them accordingly since it is our National Tree.

The Narra tree is an indigenous tree. This means that it is also native and can be found in other countries as well. Does this mean that other countries can also declare it as their national tree? There are endemic (found only in a specific area or country) trees that can be found in the Philippines that deserve equal or higher recognition than the narra tree such as the White and Red Lauan, Mangkono and Bagras, but why is Narra still our national tree? The only reason I can think of is because the Narra tree can be found throughout the Philippines, it is an ornamental tree that produce clusters of bright yellow or orange flowers and that it is a widely used lumber especially in the furniture industry.

In your opinion, is the Narra tree deserving to be our Philippine National Tree? Please share your comments and suggestions below.

TO KILL OR NOT TO KILL?

Do you have insect problems in your garden? Should we be spraying insecticide and pesticides in order to control these pesky critters? Do they cause more harm than good?.......These are the usual questions I ask myself when seeing insects eating up leaves from my plants and trees. Probably they like my plants so much, because my plants are free from harmful chemicals and artificial fertilizers.

Most of the time, I usually observe butterfly and moth caterpillars munching away with leaves from my seedlings. It really bothers me because some of the seedlings are below 1 feet and still, caterpillars are already damaging the leaves. As much as possible, I just let these insects go their way since butterflies and moths are beneficial in pollinating flowers from the trees, thus helping the trees produce fruits for us and other creatures and organisms as well. After all, all living creature and organisms deserve to live and that every living thing has a purpose here on Earth. But sometimes enough is enough because I have to set limitations especially if the particular seedling that is under attack is in grave danger........ Alangan naman pabayaan ko mamatay yung seedling ko at ubusin na lang ang mga dahon? If this is the case, then I just pick up or remove the caterpillars from the plant and transfer them to other similar plants or if not, I kill them or feed them to the fish.

I'm not a fan of chemical pesticide or insecticides since these things are very harful to our skin, when inhaled, when eaten due to the residue that is still intact with our vegetables and fruits and the like........ Ito ang dahilan kaya ang daming tao na ngayon ang may sakit lalo na ang may cancer.

Nowadays, I am trying to use a natural method that is suppose to keep plants and soil rich and healthy. It incorporates the use of beneficial microorganism that live in the soil and hasten the decomposition of organic materials to be directly used and absorbed by plants. I am talking about soil inoculation, effective microorganisms (EM) and bokashi. I will be discussing these topics in the future so please keep attuned with my blogs.

TRUE MODERN HEROES ARE PEOPLE WHO CARE.

This weblink is another example that I want to share you with. Whenever I see something like this, I feel that there is dedication, heart, love, concern, compassion and hope.

Education is key so please watch and listen to what educated persons have to say, because we will definitely learn a thing or two from their experiences.

TED TALKS - Nalini Nadkarni on conserving the canopy


Thank you for giving time to read what I have to say and for watching the video.

Q&A: What native Philippine tree to plant when starting up a RAINFORESTATION PROJECT? .... KUPANG (Parkia Timoriana) is what I would suggest.

In my opinion, I would suggest "KUPANG" with scientific name Parkia Timoriana (also known as P. Javanica) as ONE OF THE BEST PHILIPPINE NATIVE SPECIES TO PLANT WHEN STARTING A RAINFORESTATION PROJECT. This is due to the following reasons:

Fast growing. This pioneer tree will be able to give ample sun and shade to other shade loving premium forest trees growing under it.

Leguminous tree. It is able to fix its own nitrogen requirements with the help from a soil bacteria called rhizobium that live within the roots of leguminous plants and trees, thus it can grow with even the poorest type of soil. The roots together with its fallen leaves will provide nitrogen that will be beneficial for other trees within its proximity, bringing back soil fertility that was lost from continued harvesting of crops.

Sun loving and shade tolerant. It is able to grow under full sunlight and is also able to adjust under shaded areas, therefore this tree will still thrive under opposite conditions.

Easy Access. Seedlings are readily available at the Manila Seedling Bank. Since the tree is able to produce numerous seeds within seedpods, there will always be a steady supply of seedlings to grow. A fairly common tree especially in Metro Manila, Laguna and other parts of the country.

High germination rate and good viability of seeds upon long storage. Some seeds that I have stored for two years now are still germinating upto today when sowed.

Unreceptive to pests and diseases and will easily outgrow grass and vines. I think that this is a common characteristic that leguminous tree species share and possess. They are very hardy especially when established in full sun.

Branches are flexible and strong enough from wind breakage. Branches and trunk seem to sway whenever there are strong winds. It can hold its stance and never have I seen it topple down or break its limb. However, I must admit that I haven't seen a mature Kupang tree under the mercy of a strong typhoon. (will follow-up on this issue upon confirmation)

Medicinal. I have read that the bark and leaves of this tree is made into a poultice and applied to skin infections and sores. The bark is also used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. Seeds are said to treat persistent abdominal pain.

Edible. According to some literature, the pods and seeds are edible. Although I haven't tried it, I will certainly welcome the idea of tasting this delicacy. Roasted seeds are used in Africa similar to coffee called Soudan coffee.

Source of lumber. The lumber from this tree is often used for light construction.

The Tree of Life

In the Philippines, "the tree of life" known as the Coconut palm tree is part of our everyday life. All of its parts, from the leaves, fruit, husk, sap, trunk and even the roots are utilized to make various household / commercial / agricultural products, lumber and most importantly as food and drink.

I am not certain of it's origin because some say that it is native to southern or tropical asia, which we are definitely a part of, but some literature such as the "Revised LEXICON OF PHILIPPINE TREES" by Justo P. Rojo has indicated this tree to be an introduced species to our country. All I can say is that it has been a significant part of our country especially to our daily lives.

In Laguna particularly San Pablo City wherein the main produce of the province is the Coconut fruit (buko, niyog and copra is as synonymous to the famous rambutan and lanzones), it is being cut down to be used as coco lumber. What was once a forest that have been replaced with vast plantations of coconut trees and banana plants are now dwindling further into insignificant use of land or plantations.

I have noticed that since my regular trips to this area for five years now the local people there have been cutting coconut trees without giving much thought as to the adverse effects of their acts........ How can i be sure of this you ask me? It is because of the sound of the chainsaw that I usually hear from neighboring lands during random visits to my family's property, then seeing coco lumber piled up on the side road or smoke rising up to the sky. It is sad that the cut trees are not replaced with new seedlings, thus it is inevitable that all will be lost in due time.

Furthermore, it is very sad that the locals who rely on the remaining coconut plantations are the same people who destroy the very source of their own livelihood. How stupid is that?

RAINFORESTATION.......THE WAY TO GO.

RAINFORESTATION, this is a term that I first heard and read from a pamphlet and VCD (video compact disk) as visual aid provided to me by Ms. Ruth Condeno of Haribon Foundation, when I first inquired about Philippine native forest trees, last quarter of 2004. It is a term derived from REFORESTATION, but departs from the conventional way of farming such as monoculture, wherein pure stands of specific type of tree, usually the Gmelina or Mahogany is planted in a single area to be used as a source of lumber.

RAINFORESTATION emphasizes on planting different species of endemic/indigenous Philippine trees in order to provide a diverse ecosystem for both flora and fauna thus providing a haven for conservation and at the same time being able to manage vast tracks of land gearing towards a sustainable resource for our society.

RAINFORESTATION eliminates competition from the trees since different trees require different nutrients from the soil. It prevents the spreading of disease and pest because specific disease or pest would require specific trees as well. The best thing is that native trees are adapted and well suited to our environment, thus they are accustomed to weather, seasonal climate change and that they grow very fast especially in their native origin.

RAINFORESTATION simulates the natural environment provided by a true forest unique to an area or country, so it is as close as bringing back the natural forest.

RAINFORESTATION is the way to go in order to PROTECT ENDANGERED FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE PHILIPPINES. HOPEFULLY, THIS WILL ASLO RETURN THE NATURAL EQUILIBRIUM OF THE WORLD, WHICH WE HUMANS HAVE DISRUPTED.

TRUE ENOUGH, SUPER TYPHOON PEPENG IS COMING TO TOWN.

SUPER TYPHOON PEPENG (PARMA) IS COMING TOO SOON. I HAVE ACCEPTED THE FACT THAT DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING, TYPHOONS WITH STRONGER MAGNITUDE ARE TO BE EXPECTED IN THE FUTURE. BUT WAS NOT EXPECTING IT TO BE COMING SO EARLY AND JUST BARELY A WEEK HAVE PASSED SINCE TYPHOON ONDOY HIT AND DEVASTATED MANILA AND OTHER PARTS OF LUZON, PHILIPPINES.

I RECEIVED A TEXT MESSAGE FROM MY COUSIN A FEW HOURS AGO THAT WROTE, "Landfall saturday afternoon. East of samar now at 175kph to 210 gusts and will hit northern luzon at super typhoon strength (around 240kph). Pagasa asking people to pass the word already and prepare". (1-Oct-2009)(16:25:27)

ANOTHER TEXT MESSAGE WAS RECEIVED FROM A FRIEND OF MINE THAT WROTE, "Dearest friends and family, this just in from cnn. The coming storm is now a category 5 supertyphoon. Expected landfall is late friday or early saturday. Path is through northern luzon. We can only pray and prepare as it is the strongest category. Please warn ur loved ones in that area while still early. Let's also hope and pray it takes a different course. Please spread the word. God bless the Philippines!". (1-Oct-2009)(21:26:27)

. . . . . . . . . . DO I NEED TO SAY WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? DO YOU HAVE A PLAN TO PREVENT OR LESSEN THESE SORT OF CALAMITIES IN THE FUTURE? WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO ACT? NOW WILL BE THE RIGHT TIME.

LIST OF EXOTIC TREES ...... ALIENS IN OUR OWN COUNTRY.

According to the book authored by Justo P. Rojo, "Revised LEXICON OF PHILIPPINE TREES", the following trees are "Introduced Species", which means that these trees were brought to our country the Philippines.

In my opinion, these trees whether naturalized or localized in our country are still invasive species. Because of this, our own native endemic and indigenous trees and plants are being displaced. Likewise, if a fast growing species such as Gmelina/Melina (Gmelina Arborea) or the known Mahogany (Swietenia Mahogani) are planted in a certain area, the slower native trees such as the Kamagong (Diospyros Discolor) will not be able to compete. Eventually, the much slower growing tree will die, which may later lead to species extinction.

Local name (Scientific name)

*the yellow highlight means that I have encountered these trees myself in-situ (on site) or have read about it from books.

Acacia Abuhin (Acacia holosericea)
Achuete (Bixa orellana)
Adelfa (Nerium oleander)
African Tulip (Spathodea campanulata)
Alcaparras (Capparis spinosa)
Alibangbang (Bauhinia malabarica)
Amapola (Hibiscus mutabilis)
Amherstia (Amherstia nobilis)
Anang-Baluga (Diospyros malayana)
Antsoan-Dilau (Senna spectabilis)
Aroma (Acacia farnesiana)
Asiatic Sau/Silktree (Albizia julibrissin)
Atemoya (Annona atemoya)
Ates (Annona squamosa)
Australian Anahau (Livistona australis)
Avocado (Persea americana)

Balatbat-Bilog (Licuala grandis)
Balimbing (Averrhoa carambola)
Bambu Hitam (Gigantochloa atroviolacea)
Bayabas (Psidium guajava)
Bayabas-Kitid (Psidium cujavillus)
Big-Leafed Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii)
Bo Tree (Ficus religiosa)
Brandis Bamboo (Dendrocalamus brandisii)
Brazilian Firetree (Schizolobium parahybum)
Breadfruit - see rimas
Brownea (Brownea grandiceps)
Brown Salwood (Acacia aulacocarpa)
Buddha Bamboo (Bambusa tuldoides)
Burma Kanomoi (Diospyros ehretioides)
Burmann Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanni)
Butong (Dendrocalamus asper)

Caballero (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
Calabash (Crescentia cujete)
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
Canalete (Cordia gerascanthus)
Cana-Fistula (Cassia fistula)
Champaca (Michelia champaca)
Cherimoya (Annona cherimolia)
Chico/Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota)
Chinese Anahau (Livistona chinensis)
Chinese Bamboo (Bambusa dolichoclada)
Chinese Rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis)
Chittagong Balok (Milletia atropurpurea)
Consuelda (Euphorbia tirucalli)
Cutchtree (Acacia catechu)

Dapdap-Palong (Erythrina crista-galli)
Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
Divi-Divi (Caesalpinia coriaria)
Dudoang-Bulate (Hydnocarpus anthelminthicus)

Earpod (Enterolobium cyclocarpum)
Earpod Wattle/Auri (Acacia auriculiformis)

Fiddled Fig (Ficus pandurata)
Fireball (Calliandra haematocephala)
Firetree (Delonix regia)
Fishrod Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
Floranjilla (Solanum wrightii)
Fringon (Bauhinia monandra)
Fringon-Morado (Bauhinia purpurea)

Gamboge-Tree (Garcinia morella)
Gatasan-Layugan (Garcinia polyantha)
Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus)
Giant Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena pulverulenta)
Granada (Punica granatum)
Graygum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
Greenwattle (Acacia decurrens)
Guama (Inga laurina)
Gumamela (Hibiscus rosasinensis)
Gumamela De Arana (Hibiscus schizopetalus)
Guyabano (Annona muricata)

Handapara (Dillenia indica)
Hogplum (Spondias mombin)
Hojacruz (Crescentia alata)
Holarrhena (Hoarrhena antidysenterica)
Honshu-Chiku (Bambusa multiplex)
Huampit (Clausena lansium)
Hybrid-Quinine (Cinchona hybrida)

India Bamboo (Bambusa bambos)
India Lanutan (Polyalthia longifolia)
India Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)
India Rubber (Ficus elastica)
Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena leucocephala)
Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

Jackfruit - see nangka
Japanese Alder (Alnus maritima)
Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)
Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril)
Java Almon (Canarium Indicum)
Java Tanglin (Adenanthera microsperma)

Kabiki (Mimusops elengi)
Kahel (Citrus aurantium)
Kalachuche (Plumeria acuminata)
Kalachucheng-Pula (Plumeria rubra)
Kalachucheng-Puti (Plumeria alba)
Kalamunding (Citrus Microcarpa)
Kamachile (Pithecellobium dulce)
Kamansi - see rimas
Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi)
Kanela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Kapok (Ceiba pentandra)
Kasui/Cashew (Anacardium occidentale)
Katurai (Sesbania grandiflora)
Kauayan-Kiling (Bambusa vulgaris)
Kauayan-Tinik (Bambusa blumeana)
Kauayan-Tsina (Bambusa multiplex)
Kayali (Gigantochloa atter)
Kayam (Inocarpus fagifer)
Kuhl Abiki (Pinanga kuhlii)
Kusibeng (Sapindus saponarea)

Langil (Albizia lebbek)
Lemon-Scented Gum (Eucalyptus maculata)
Limon-Cito (Triphasia trifolia)
Logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum)
Loleba (Bambusa atra)
Loudon Banaba (Lagerstroemia loudoni)
Lukban (Citrus grandis)
Lumbang (Aleurites moluccana)

Machiku (Dendrocalamus latiflorus)

Madagascar Pandan (Pandanus utilis)
Madagascar Plum (Flacourtia jangomas)
Madake (Phyllostachys bambusoides)
Madre-Cacao (Gliricida sepium)
Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani)
Makopa (Syzygium samarangense)
Malabar Narra (Pterocarpus marsupium)
Malakaturai (Senna multijuga)
Malapascuas (Euphorbia cotinifolia)
Malarayap-Intsik (Atalantia citrioides)
Malatanglin (Adenanthera pavonina)
Malayan-Abiki (Pinanga malaiana)
Malayan Myrtle (Lagerstroemia floribunda)
Maluko (Pisonia grandis)
Mamon (Annona glabra)
Mangium (Acacia mangium)
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)
Manzanitas (Ziziphus mauritiana)
Marcgrav Sweetsop (Annona marcgravii)
Melina (Gmelina arborea)
Melindres (Lagerstroemia indica)
Mexican Gumtree (Cochlospermum regium)
Mezquite (Prosopis juliflora)
Moluccan Sau (Paraserianthes falcataria)
Money Jak (Artocarpus rigidus)
Mottled-Leaf Dapdap (Erythrina variegata)
Mulberry (Morus macroura)

Nam-Nam (Cynometra cauliflora)
Nangka/Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Naranjita (Citrus nobilis)
Narrow-Leafed Saraca (Saraca taipengensis)
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Niog (Cocos nucifera)

Oldham Bamboo (Bambusa oldhamii)

Oliva (Cycas revoluta)

Palo-Santo (Triplaris cumingiana)
Panama Rubber (Castilla elastica)
Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera)
Papuang-Gilai (Polycias ornata)
Papuang-Laparan (Polycias guilfoylei)
Para Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)
Pascuas (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Perpon-Pula (Acalypha wilkesiana)
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Peruvian-Bell (Thevetia peruviana)
Peruvian Parasol (Cavanillesia hylogeiton)
Pigeon-Berry (Duranta erecta)
Pinkball (Calliandra portoricensis)
Pinkshower (Cassia javanica)
Pointed Star-Apple (Chrysophyllum oliviforme)
Polynesian Ivory-Palm (Coelococcus amicarum)
Portugese Cypress (Cupressus lusitanica)
Pukinggang-Kahoi (Clitoria racemosa)
Purple-Red Fireball (Calliandra calothyrsus)

Quassia (Quassia amara)

Quinine (Cinchona calisaya)

Raintree/Acacia (Samanea saman)

Red-Bark Quinine (Cinchona succirubra)
Rimas/Kamansi/Breadfruit (Artocarpus communis)
River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)

Sampaloc (Tamarindus indica)

Sandalwood (Santalum album)
San Francisco (Codiaeum variegatum)
Saraca (Saraca declinata)
Sawai (Manilkara kauki)
Sibukau (Caesalpinia sappan)
Sineguelas (Spondias purpurea)
Solid Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus)
Southern Mahogany (Eucalyptus botryoides)
Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)
Spineless India Bamboo (Bambusa tulda)
Spiny American Bamboo (Guadua angustifolia)
Spotted Iron Gum (Eucalyptus maculata)
Star-Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito)
Stemmed Durian (Durio testudinarum)
Strychnine-Tree (Strychnos nux-vomica)
Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora)
Swamp-Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)

Taiwan Bamboo (Bambusa dolichomerithalla)

Taiwan Useful Bamboo (Bambusa utilis)
Talipot Palm (Corypha umbraculifera)
Tambis (Syzygium aqueum)
Tampui (Syzygium jambos)
Tangalo (Actinorhytis calapparia)
Tasmanian Bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus)
Teak (Tectona grandis)
Thailand Bamboo (Thyrsostachys siamensis)
Thailand Gamboge-Tree (Garcinia hanburyi)
Thailand Shower (Senna siamea)
Tiger/Spotted Bamboo (Bambusa maculata)
Toyokan (Cleidion megistrophyllum)
Traveler's/Traveller's Tree (Ravenala madagascariensis)
True Star-Anise (Illicium verum)
Trumpet Tree (Cecropia peltata)
Tsa (Camellia sinensis)
Tsampakang-Puti (Michelia x alba)
Tsempedak (Artocarpus interger)
Tsiampaka (Elmerillia tsiampacca)
Tuba (Croton tiglium)

Viapple (Spondias cytherea)

Waya (Dendrocalamus membranaceus)

Yambu (Syzygium malaccense)

Yellow-Bark Quinine (Cinchona ledgeriana)
Yellow-Brunsfelsia (Brunsfelsia americana)
Yellow-Elder (Tecoma stans)
Yellow Shower (Senna fruticosa)

Zapote (Diospyros digyna)
Zigzag-Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo)

If you are familiar with most of the names of trees found in this list especially fruit bearing trees, it just proves that we Filipinos have introduced a lot of foreign trees and plants to our country.

I know that there are a lot of new plants and trees that are not included in this list, however, this list is substancial in determining tree species which are NOT ORIGINALLY FROM OUR COUNTRY, which is my main objective.

My advise to all, if we want to restore the natural beauty and original flora of the Philippines, PLEASE STOP PLANTING TREES AND PLANTS THAT ARE NOT FROM THE PHILIPPINES.

GLOBAL WARMING = NATURAL CALAMITIES ...... A taste of what's to come.

GLOBAL WARMING is synonymous to TYPHOON, HURRICANE, EL NINO, LA NINA, CYCLONE, HAILSTORM, BLIZZARD, POLAR ICECAP MELTDOWN, which may lead to TSUNAMI, LANDSLIDE, FLOODS, ETC. ..........Need I say more?

- Yesterday, September 26, 2009, Saturday, we Filipino's just experienced another great typhoon, which flooded major areas of Luzon, Philippines. Typhoon "ONDOY" with international name "KETSANA", brought houses, establishments, cars and busses and people under water, leaving many stranded and homeless. I was able to scout portions of disaster stricken areas near my house in order to assess the damage it has caused. (pls. see attached images and link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqAdaiCZBQ4&feature=relatedelated

* TO ANYBODY READING THIS BLOG, PLEASE HELP OUR KABABAYANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE IN DESPERATE NEED.

- June 21, 2008, typhoon "FRANK" with international name, "FENGSHEN", hit southern Luzon and Visayas region........with winds of 100km/hr and gusts of up to 122mph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxdJ4uzoyqs&NR=1&feature=fvwp

- September 28, 2006, typhoon "MILENYO" with international name "XANGSANE", brought havoc to the Philippines. One of the strongest that I have ever seen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oId9Ksohhh4

Banana Plantation during Milenyo typhoon aftermath

The typhoons that were witnessed are the strongest and most destructive in present Philippine history. This means that we should expect more typhoons of this magnitude or maybe this is just an introduction of the worst to come.

Note: Notice the brownish color of the floodwaters, which means that there is silt due to massive soil erosion .........If there are no trees, there is nothing to hold the soil. If there are no trees, there's nothing to hold the water.........Take a glimpse at GOOGLE EARTH.com and see what I mean.

OBITUARIES.......MAY THEY REST IN PEACE!

"PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU; MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU. NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES DO I GIVE IT TO YOU. DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED OR AFRAID."

John 14:27

AKLENG-PARANG trees

peacefully joined their creator last August 2009

their trunks lie in wait for the building of a resthouse somewhere in Laguna

May their loving family tree, the birds and the bees & friends request the readers to pray for their eternal repose.

ANTIPOLO tree

peacefully returned to God our creator
decades ago-September 2009

its remain is a stump left to rot

the trunk has been taken away......

BASURA BASURA, Paano Ka Ginawa???

Saan ka man magpunta sa mundo may makikita kang basura. Basta may tao sigurado may basura nakakalat man o nakatago. Sadyang parte ba ng buhay natin ang basura? Kahit sa gitna ng dagat makakakita ka pa rin ng basura gaya ng plastic. Alam mo kung bakit kahit malayo may basura pa rin? Dahil ito sa mga pasahero ng mga ferry boat na nagtatapon kahit saan. Dahil ito sa basura na inagos ng dagat mula sa mga isla kung san may tao. Pati ang hangin natin ay napapalibutan ng basura. Pollution naman ang tawag dito mula sa mga sasakyan at factory na bumubuga ng masamang usok sa ating kalawakan.

Ang mga Pilipino, notorius din sa pagtatapon ng basura. Hindi natin inaalintana ang masamang epekto nito sa ating kapaligiran. Sadya ba tayo nabubulagan sa ating mga pansariling kapakanan o dala lang ito ng kakulangan ng kaalaman sa waste management o di naman kaya sanhi na rin ito ng mabilis na modernisasyon sa ating bansa pati na rin sa ibang bansa. Ang linis-linis natin pagdating sa ating mga katawan at sa ating sariling mga bahay, pero "tapon dito tapon doon" naman ang ating ginagawa. Bakit naman ganoon? ........... Naguumapaw na ang mga basura natin sa mga dumpsite, wala pa rin tayong pakialam.

Malimit ako mapadaan sa mga barrio sa may Laguna at napansin ko na kadalasan ay ginagawang tapunan ng basura ay mga lugar na malapit sa daluyan ng tubig gaya ng ilog, sa masukal at mapunong mga lugar o di kaya sa di kalayuan kung saan may mga bahay. Kung walang dadaan na truk ng basura at mga basurero, dapat ba natin ito isawalang-bahala na lamang sa ating kapaligiran?

Narinig n'yo na ba ang mga salitang recycling, composting, vermi-composting or vermiculture, septic tank, integrated farming o permaculture? Iilan lamang ito sa mga pamamaraan na sumasakop sa tamang waste management. Kung ang bawat isa sa atin ay gumagawa nito, mahigit sa kalahating pursiyento ng ating basura ay napakinabangan natin at hindi na dadagdag sa itatapon sa ating kapaligiran.

MODEL INSPIRATION

When I checked my email, an automatic sent message was made to me from one of the yahoo groups that I usually visit. The website was shared by one of it's new members and now, I want to share it with my readers.

TED TALKS - Willie Smits restores a rainforest

Yes, it is a magnanimous task, but he made it sound so easy. His concepts make sense........How I wish that I can do the same.

Wanna Swap Seedlings?

If you are a hobbyist, environmentalist, forester, horticulturist, agriculturist, plant enthusiast, in the ornamental plant business, a concerned citizen of the Philippines or from another country, then you are welcome to join and contribute.

Whether we are from the city or the province, trees and plants are part of our lives. We sometimes take them for granted, but we know that they are there. One particular common and native plant or tree from a certain region or place can be a rare find from another. Take for example the popular Benguet Pine (Pinus kesia) trees from Baguio and the Benguet mountain provinces, they are commonly found in high and cool altitude, while the Nipa (Nypha fruticans) Palm tree are usually found along coastal areas and estuarines. They differ greatly in habitat, however, if you simulate their environment and cultural requirements, then they might thrive in whatever place they are in.

Oftentimes, we encounter curious trees or plants that interests us from our vacation trips. Sometimes we are lucky to get seeds or wildlings and bring them back to our place to plant them. By doing this, we are unconsciously propagating and dispersing their species to another area. This is a responsibility that we should be aware of, because imported plants from different countries are also dispersed this way and oftentimes dominate vast expanse of land.

Fortunately, we can put this problem into our advantage if we work together. We can help preserve and conserve our own native trees by swapping. Our resources will be maximized. Help me protect plants and trees that are native to your region or province.

For more information, please leave your comments and suggestions here and I will get back to you the soonest.

OPEN YOUR EYES TO OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

Are you a concerned citizen of the Philippines? Are you aware of global warming or climate change? Do you see what is going on with our surroundings especially the environment? Do you see pollution and garbage everywhere? Have you felt the intense summer heat, even if it is not summer? Do yo smell the smog that our cars and vehicles are emitting? Do you have trouble sleeping due to the irritating sounds we hear late at night or early in the morning, due to inconsiderate neighbors and passing vehicles? Have you seen hunger from the faces of our very own countrymen? IF NOT, THEN OPEN YOUR EYES AND DO SOMETHING!

The problems we face now seem magnanimous. We ask ourselves, where do we start?.........The answer is that we start with ourselves. Change for the better is inevitable if we want to exist in this world, otherwise, there is no future for the succeeding generations.

Start with simple things like segregating your garbage. Separate organic matter (nabubulok) from inorganic matter (di nabubulok), like paper, fruit peelings, garden litter, leaves and tree branches from materials such as plastic, metal and glass bottles which cannot decompose easily, but may be recycled. Learn to compost the organic matter, which will be beneficial for your garden plants. Incorporate plants and trees in your backyard or garden space in order to minimize pollution in every aspect.

Please don't throw your trash in the streets or in the canals as they will find their way in our rivers and oceans. Please do not smoke or burn inorganic matter such as leaves, because this contributes to air pollution and the carbon in the atmosphere that traps the heat of the sun in our atmosphere. Please refrain yourself from using air-conditioning, aerosols, styrofoams, foams, refrigerants that use CFC (chloro-fluoro-carbon), because CFC's are the main reason why our ozone layer is depleting in the atmosphere. Please avoid using wood from illegal lumber, because our forests are fast disappearing. Please stop using chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides, because not only are they harmful to us but they are especially harmful to our surroundings and to the wildlife.

Lastly, if all is NOT too late may GOD HAVE MERCY ON US!