Volunteers Needed for CALTEX Fund Raising Campaign to Save the Philippine Eagle.

Mr. Alain Pascua posted this website (http://mim.io/e7d18) on Facebook, last December 12 to inform friends and readers about the "Save the Philippine Eagle!" campaign at selected CALTEX stations in Metro Manila, Cainta and Cavite.

Please click the link above for more details.

Be aware! Be involved!

The Spoon of Your Dreams.......dedicated to Gary Simmons

Assumptions and Mystery of the ANAHAW logs.

I think that I was passing the area of Barangay Imok of the Calauan-San Pablo Highway in Laguna when I saw this huge truck parked at the side road and pointing to the direction of Los Banos, Laguna. Seeing the truck load of familiar looking logs and about two dozen more occupying half of the two-lane road, I decided to park my car nearest the safest level area as the winding turns, curves and downward slope would make a hazardous accident prone area for vehicles passing by. There was another empty truck in front of the loaded truck waiting for the transfer of logs as the loaded vehicle encountered a faulty break according to one of the men tending to the unloading of the said logs. I was unsure how I was going to approach the men who were mostly in the middle of the road because it was unusual for a passer-by like me, who might not have all the features of a local commoner to be strolling down the road and strapped with a camera to my waist. I keep thinking that they might assume that I am from the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), who is going to apprehend them in case they had no permit to carry such lumber.

I immediately recognized that the prized logs, which had evident rings of dark brown to black were from the Anahaw (Livistona rotundifolia var. luzonensis) palm (var., short for variety and luzonensis, which comes or originates in Luzon area). This was new to me as never had I seen a truckload of this particular palm species being transported in such huge number, nor for any amount whatsoever.

I approached one of the men who was resting at the side road. He seemed to be the biggest and toughest of them all, who usually leads and supreme over any other laborer. I started a conversation with this person and inquired what the logs were usually used for. I asked him if it was similar to the coco (coconut) lumber that is commonly used as cheap lumber for construction purposes.

Indeed I was able to confirm that it is the Anahaw logs being unloaded for the said transfer to the other truck. I also learned that the lumber was weak and susceptible to insect infestation on land especially if it was subjected to the elements, but it was durable and strong when it was submerged under water. I didn’t fully understand everything he said because I cut our conversation short so that I could immediately take pictures of the logs and go about my own business. I guess I was more concerned to tell the news rather than getting myself involved in case I learned that the said logs were obtained illegally. I wouldn’t know how I would react in such situation.

Earlier this afternoon, I learned from our household help that her husband was employed with a fishpond operator and that she used to see how the Anahaw logs were submerged underwater and used as posts for these fish pens along Navotas, Cavite. She said that the logs could have been acquired from Bicol, where the species were most abundant and that it was probably being transported and purchased to construct, replace or repair fish pens from damage caused by previous typhoons.

The next question that came to my mind was where were these logs going to be delivered? It couldn’t be towards Manila as the usual trucks coming from Quezon province and San Pablo, Laguna would pass via Alaminos, Sto. Tomas, Mt. Makiling and Calamba, which was the obvious route for heavy truckloads, since the gentler sloping roadways made it much easier to transport than passing the less traffic route and deadly-steep-downward-winding hill of Calauan and heading for Los Banos going to Calamba. Then it hit me like a brick! The truckload of Anahaw logs must be going to be delivered to the fish pens of Laguna De Bay. I must have passed Los Banos area a hundred times on my regular trip, but never had I seen the Laguna lake in actual. It must be a few meters away. Just beyond the structures and houses that line along the main highway.

Now everything is much clearer to me. Assuming that all my assumptions are correct!

*Note: Notice the man hiding at the rear side of the truck and the evident plate number of the truck, which marks PHA609.

Some Philippine trees indigenous to Bangkok.

The minute that I set foot on Bangkok, I couldn't help but notice the trees that lined the streets of this city. Thailand being a tropical country is just at the western side of the Philippines after Vietnam & Cambodia, which make sense why some flora found in their country are also indigenous to my country. Majority of the landscaped trees I observed along Bangkok's public areas are comprised of the ff:

Young Narra (Pradu, Pradu-ban) trees are planted in the middle of the island road and side streets of the metropolis as shown here at N8 station of Sukhumbit Line near Chatuchak Park. I wonder why I didn't see any century old trees of this species. Could it be that mature specimens were felled years ago or that they were just introduced into the city landscape?

Shown at right is a fruiting and flowering Bitaog (Ka-than-han, Krathing, Tang-hon) tree within the compound of the WAT INTHARAWIHAN temple.

Also nearby and a couple of steps away from the Bitaog tree is this Banaba (Tabeak, Tabek) tree.

Dita (Thia, Tin-pet) trees complement this side of the MBK shopping center, which is found at the corner of Rama I road and Phaya Thai road. I also saw a specimen at the parking area of the Cobra Show and numerous specimen along roadways and parks.

Though I didn't see any mature trees when I was in Bangkok, here in the Philippines they grow to majestic sizes of about 40 meters in height and about 100 cm bole diameter.

While riding the elephant along the trails of the Elephant Village, I was surprised to see this Akleng-parang (suan, Thing-thon) tree. There was another specimen of this at the parking area of the RTC wood carving.

I saw Talisai (Hu Kwang) trees along the trails of this area. Observed planted trees along roadways and establishments within the city as well.

From left to right is a photo of an Agoho (Son-tha-le), Bangkal (Krathum, Krathum-bok, Taku) and Molave (Bin-nok) tree, which I observed growing along or near the river canal going to the Dumnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Lastly, I encountered a lot of young Bungang-Jolo trees, popularly known as Manila palm or Christmas palm within the landscaped gardens of Chatuchak Park. They were planted in groups of two's and three's.

According to Wikipedia, this particular palm tree is only found growing in the Philippines. This means that this species has been introduced to Bangkok and probably throughout Thailand.

The Manila palm is considered to be an ornamental palm. It is a proliferous fruiting tree and can produce hundreds of single seeded fruit in one season alone. I can imagine our very own Manila palm becoming invasive in other countries if not properly handled.

Note: Pardon me if I have made any error with regards to spelling of Thai names of tree species or places. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Checking out the native flora being sold at AANI weekend market last Sunday.

I went to visit the AANI weekend market, within the Lung Center of the Philippines compound in Quezon City last Sunday. Not really thinking of buying anything specific or being anxious of discovering what native specimens I would find in the plant and garden section, but was just going to meet up with a friend.

It was rather late arriving at around 8am, since business picks up at around 5-5:30 in the morning. Seeing my friend, we proceeded to the plant section to check out what plants were being sold.

The first native plants that I noticed were the wild angiopteris palmiformis (giant fern or pakong-kalabaw), which only had a few foliage as most were cut off to prevent transpiration from balling out from the wild and additional stress from the long travel coming from distant provinces of Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya and other places.

One particular stall, termed as "gubatum" (from the forest) by my other friend were selling wild native orchids contained species of ascocentrum, aerides, trichoglottis, eria, micropera formerly camarotis, cystochis or "jewel orchids" along with a few centrostema (shooting star), hoya, dischida and lecanopteris (ant fern). There were other species, but the ones mentioned are the only ones that I can identify and remember.

Moving on, my friend and I passed the corner where pinus kesiya commonly known as Benguet pine seedlings were regularly sold. It makes me think of Baguio (the summer capital of the Philippines), evergreen pine forest, vegetable produce and many more.......I also saw a lone Bagauak-morado (clerodendrum quadriloculare) near this area. It didn't look healthy. Probably because it was constricted within the confines of it's ceramic pot.

Another stall that we passed had a couple of mutant ferns, pitogo sp. and alocasia zebrina I think. The assistant of the seller/owner was eager to sell me some of their plants that he was mentioning that the pitogo sp. was a golden variety due to it's yellowish colored rachis, though I could not distinguish the difference as it looked pretty ordinary to me.

Turning and reaching the last stretch of muddy pathway and plant stalls, I was surprised to see more species of giant ferns. I thought that seeing more of them being sold meant that landscapers are also using more of this species and that this meant that wild populations are dwindling and becoming rare. What a pity, knowing that most if not all would perish as they don't thrive well in Manila, based from my experience.

It was my first time to encounter this plant belonging to the Araceae family as it was about an astonishing 2.5-2.8 meters in height from floor to leaves and having a flower that seemed double the size of my hand. What a great find I thought except that I learned that it's habitat was being in waterlogged areas in order to survive made me decide to take a pass at this opportunity. Come to think of it, I didn't even ask for the price.

I think that it was the last of the "gubatum" sellers that I spotted a palm species that I had not encountered before. The vendors didn't know of it's name except that they called it "black palm", simply because of it's almost dark purplish brown leaf sheath, if I remembered it correctly, and that they were enthusiastic knowing that I had taken interest to it. The young plant of this look similar to a Bunga (areca catechu). My guess is that it is either an areca sp. or a pinanga sp.. Nevertheless, I acquired a few small specimen, knowing that they were native from our country and that they would survive under my care.

And so we passed the last stall of the plant section. The end was evident, but it was certainly not the last of produce finds. Because as we walked by the area of fruit stands, hanging onto the metal frames of one of the tent were dangling Marang-banguhan (artocarpus odoratissimus) fruits, popularly known as Marang. As if to signify the coming of the Christmas season, wherein round shape fruits are particularly popular and believed to bring good luck among Filipino and Filipino-Chinese countrymen. To match the season of merry making, it was also my first time to see a locally produced Bignai (antidesma bunius) wine being sold at one booth and a Bignai tea at another.

COMPOT for the Lazy Forester!

Are you the type of person who's always on the Go? Is your garden too small to accommodate more plants? Do you worry that your efforts will be wasted if the seeds will not germinate? Does getting more soil for your planting needs a problem? Is watering an issue for you?.....Then why don't you start something small like a COMPOT (community pot)?

SPACE SAVING! PRACTICAL! ACHIEVABLE!
CHEAP! EASY!

Photo: Germinated Pandakaki seedlings which were kept moist on the surface of the soil medium. Will be repotted once they grow to considerable size.

Upcoming Buri Plantation.

The first time that I collected Buri seeds was when I was driving by Santo Tomas and Alaminos, Laguna. This palm tree that stood majestic from afar could be seen from a hundred meters away. It was months or weeks ago since I last drove by this area to investigate it's distinct crown with heavily laden fruits to check if it was already ripe for my picking.

Luckily, I was able to find someone who was willing to collect a bagful of rotten fruits with precious seeds within in exchange for a considerable amount of money. A few pieces up to a dozen would be fine, but no lesser than 500 up to a thousand seeds made me realize that I was a bit hoarding. I wasn't sure if I was going to be happy or sad. The easy part of collecting was done. Preparing for the real challenge of germinating hundreds of Buri seeds was the next step.

All I did was mix the seeds with moist soil and placed it inside a large plastic bag, sealed the bag and set it aside where sunlight would be able to reach it during the day. I was checking the seeds once in a while for weeks and months until I got tired and sort of glancing through the transparency of the plastic seem to get things done fast and effortless.

I thought that germinating the Buri seeds would take me a year, because it seemed that long a wait. Approximately, it took about 10 months of my tender loving care when I first noticed the first roots and shoots growing inside the plastic bag. Soon enough the plastic bag was full of young shoots eager to get out of their container. Putting them inside the bag was a breeze, but taking them out one by one carefully is like removing each strand of hair from their dreadlocks, as I can just imagine.

Of course, repotting bare root Buri seedlings is not an easy task either. One has to handle the seedlings carefully as delicate roots could easily get damaged. The arduous task of potting dozens to a hundred seedlings at a time will take hours to finish. Whew! I can remember all the hard work put in just to do that specific task.

3years, 1month and 5days after, since the first day that I acquired those seeds and they are now ready to be outplanted. Parting is such sweet sorrow so I have decided to keep them all to myself and take it a notch higher by establishing that future Buri plantation. Wish me luck!

ALIM (Melanolepis multiglandulosa var. multiglandulosa)

local name: Alim

scientific name: Melanolepis multiglandulosa var. multiglandulosa
family: Euphorbiaceae

habitat: This small tree can be found growing in thickets and secondary growth forests at low and medium altitudes.
uses: Bark, leaves and flowers are used to treat scurf like dandruff, chest pains and fever. In Papua New Guinea, components of this tree are also used to treat snake bites. Wood is used as lumber.
properties: Sudorific and vermifuge.

FOREST OF THE SEA.

Two nights and a day in this remote island of Dumaguete and I haven't had the chance of literally test the water. The previous day was all about hiking and trekking the Apo Island by land and so this particular morning, I plan on experiencing what Apo Island Marine Sanctuary was all about.

My cellphone was beeping at 5am as I had set the time late last night. I could see from the open jalousie that it was still pitch dark outside, reason enough to make the perfect excuse not to go out of bed. A few minutes later and the sky was changing hue. I got up and excitedly prepared a few items that I thought would be essential for this specific itinerary in mind. Goggles, snorkel spout, towel, camera, keys, flashlight ....... check! check! all systems go! Of course I had already slipped into my swimming attire, which I casually layered by wearing a shirt and shorts on top. After which I proceeded outside and headed towards the declared area for marine sanctuary.

It was about 5:30 when I started to walk my way up to the beach. The cool breeze and quaint stroll along the village houses as daybreak made it's way gave a simple yet pleasing experience. I passed the area where mangrove trees lined the pathway until I reached an opening towards the end. A red shack with a signage that wrote "Warden Guard House" was posted just below the galvanized corrugated roof. Beyond this was the vast deep blue ocean that seemed to have subsided. The ravenous tide from the day before has taken aback and shifted to ripples of delight.

To my surprise, the tide had already revealed what I was hoping to see. The lowly waves gently caressing on the seemingly carpet of corals, which I consider as the forest of the sea. The situation had changed it's course and now I am left to wonder what was I going to do next. For as I had prepared all that I needed, somehow the revelation had defeated it's purpose. I could neither go farther offshore as a barricade held it's ground between the sea and myself.

I took out my camera and decided to investigate what rare opportunity this has been. That abutting, fragile yet deadly spikes and mounds had risen from the sandy plains of the beach also provided a safe haven and sanctuary among minute crustaceans and creatures of the deep. Carefully, I skipped my way, avoiding jagged edges and new coral growth from beneath. And took snapshots of colorful and intricate jewels that counted about 24 species I think. With just a limited stretch that I was able to cover, the diversity that I encountered was proof enough of the uniqueness of this area alone. And to think that our country has 7,107 islands is like touching a grain of sand from beneath my feet.

About thirty minutes had gone and the sun brightly shone. Alas I bid my farewell to that forest of the sea. Though happy thoughts lingering through my mind, when will I ever see a place as beautiful as thee.

Philippine corals experiencing worst bleaching.

The Philippine Star Business - Science & Technology dated September 23, 2010 of page B-6 and B-7 featured an article entitled, Philippine coral reefs -- in hot water by Nino Jacinto.

Here the author explains how corals are made up of tiny animals called "polyps", which play a vital role in providing refuge and food source among marine organisms, which in turn provide livelihood for man. He stressed that "Philippine reefs are now experiencing one of the worst bleaching events since 1998" and that studies indicate that one third of worlds coral species will most likely be extinct due to climate change and causes of man. Stating also that we can help by doing the following:

"Report sightings of bleached coral to the Philippine Coral Bleaching Watch on Facebook; To give coral as much chance as possible to recover from the high temperature of the ocean, reduce the other sources of stress for coral, such as: sedimentation, pollution, destructive fishing methods, garbage and diver damage; Support the creation and better management of more Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) -- Coral bleaching has affected all reef areas, including MPA's, but better recovery has been observed in MPA's compared to unprotected sites."

All I can say is that it is good to know that national and global awareness in saving the world we live in is becoming more of a conscious effort whether through individuals, communities and government. Be a part in saving our forest and our seas. Let us all do our part in saving mother Earth!

BINUNGA (Macaranga tanarius).

Official name: Binunga
English name: Parasol Leaf tree
Scientific name: Macaranga tanarius
Family: EUPHORBIACEAE



Character: a small tree, dioecious, pioneer species
Habitat: Growing in thickets and waste places at low to medium altitudes.
Uses: The bark is used for containers, contains sap with adhesive properties and tannin. Bark and leaves are used to make "basi", which is a fermented drink. Wood produces a high quality pulp and particleboard. Other studies show that the tree contains compounds, constituents, glucosides and anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties.

Showing signs of maturity.

This young Dao tree from the family Anacardiaceae is about 6-7 years old. Buttressed roots have already formed, giving this tree more support and anchorage against strong winds. It is also starting to flake off it's bark.

I wonder how long before it's first flowers appear?

SWEET FOR MY SWEET.

What a delicious and healthy treat!

I was curious as the only sari-sari store nearby with a woman whom I call "manang" (elderly lady) usually see me stopping by the area whenever the fruiting season comes and that I borrow her "walis tingting" (broom) so that I could sweep the Kalumpit fruit litter off the side road. She had me taste the Kalumpit jam that she had freshly made that day but I wasn't able to bring my camera then so I wasn't able to document the delicately sweet treat. Anyway, the next time that I passed by her sari-sari store, I was inquiring if she still had a few fresh fruits or that jam that she had me taste previously. I had this idea of making the jam myself, because I was able to persuade her in giving me the bowlful of Kalumpit fruits, which she had collected earlier. I was paying for the fruits, but she insisted on giving it to me so I thanked her and bid my farewell.

When I came home late that evening, I placed the fresh Kalumpit fruits inside the refrigerator....... The following day, I was eager to prepare how to make a Kalumpit jam based from the portions that "manang" had taught me. But instead of putting equal amounts of sugar with the fruits, I substituted sugar for the much healthier pure honey that was already available.

Kalumpit fruits + H2O + Wild Honey
__________________
Kalumpit Jam/Syrup
(stirred and left to simmer, then optional to strain)

It was perfect timing as we had a half gallon of strawberry ice-cream sitting inside the freezer.........the rest is history!

Pushing native trees to their limit.

This particular site is within the compounds of an undeveloped subdivision in Laguna, which has been cleared and leveled to make way for open lots that has been left for years now. It shows one side of the perimeter fence, about 100 linear meters more or less that still contain remnants of growing vegetation of endemic and indigenous trees and plants.

Two pictures merged into one to create that continuous stretch of vegetation to simulate a panoramic image closest to the actual site. Of course the road on the left and rightmost part have been distorted.

Enumerated species that I found growing in close proximity with each other are the following: Bignai-pugo; Bignai sp.; Pinka-pinkahan; Bagauak; Bayag-usa; Alim; Igyo; Antipolo; Kalios; Amugis; Apatot or Bankoro sp; Hauili; Anubing; Pagsahingin; Kaong; Is-is or Ficus sp.; Bagauak sp.; Ginger sp. and a few unknown species.

The property at the opposite and adjacent to this perimeter fence is a private lansones and coconut plantation. With so little space left for native Philippine trees to grow and with the growing need for timber and charcoal needs, I don't know how long our native flora and fauna will last.

The picture above shows half of the area of the subdivision which is leveled off and has not yet been built with infrastructure. The perimeter area is still indicative that native trees abound. At least for now, they are somehow left alone.

But should this be the case? As an architect, designer, conservationist, and a plant hobbyist, my advice is to assess and carefully survey the natural beauty of a particular property or area. It is obvious that mature endemic trees flourished in this vast open land and that they should have been integrated with the design of the landscaping. Trees are a part of our lives. Please don't take them out of the picture!

Philippine Fauna - Is this how we want to see them?

I happen to pass by the College of Forestry in UPLB, Laguna the other day. Just as I was leaving the building, I noticed a room with a glass window at the side of the main entrance. This was what I saw along with other cased beatles, cicadas and other insects.

The stuffed Philippine Monkey Eating Eagle seem to be staring at me. It's eyes piercing through my soul as if to give a sign or a warning.

Our country is one of the major hot spot for wildlife and flora biodiversity in the world. Could this be the future of our Philippine Fauna, a lifeless preserve of a thing?

Betel Nut Palm for your live fencing needs.

The Betelnut (Areca catechu) from the family Palmae / Arecaceae is commonly found in Southeast asia. It is popular with most elders as it is one of three important ingredients for the Betelnut chew known to many Filipino's as "nganga".

Aside from it's many uses, this palm tree is also used as "live fence" in some parts of the country. Simply because it can be grown in close proximity with each other, is a fast growing palm, provides additional landscape due to it's aesthetic values, single erect stem with sparse canopy, low maintenance, possess medicinal properties, easily propagated by seeds and able to produce ornamental fruits which is the primary ingredient for betelnut chew.

PHILIPPINE NEEM TREE.

Reaching rapid heights and one of the fastest pioneer tree species is the Bagalunga (Melia dubia synonymous to Melia composita) from the family Meliaceae. It's english name according to the book, A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamenal Plants by Dr. Domingo Madulid is known as the Philippine neem tree. In association with the "neem", known to be an effective natural insecticide, I haven't noticed any pests or diseases in association with this species, which makes it a very good candidate for rainforestation projects.

The tallest tree that I've seen so far is about 20-25 meters in height. A few branches may subject to breakage due to strong winds caused by typhoons, but so far, no tree specimen of mine has toppled down. Another important thing is that this tree will make a good nurse tree for germinating potted seeds and seedlings as it will provide filtered light under its shade.

Bangkal tree with curious orb like flowers.

The first time that I saw stands of Bangkal (Nauclea orientalis) trees were along an estero, corner of Wilson street and A. Mabini street in San Juan city, Manila. On occasion, I would see this tree on slightly sloping dry land or thickets. The next time I saw this species is along a stream or waterway. Do you get the drift?

I learned from The Free Dictionary by Farlex that the genus "Nauclea" means "small genus of evergreen tropical shrubs or trees with smooth leathery leaves". I thought that the scientific name had something to do with it's flowers. Somehow I was rooting the genus Nauclea with the word nucleus. But turns out that they are two different words. LOL.........

Luckily, I chanced upon it's ever ellusive flowers one sunny morning of August. It was great timing I'll say. Thank you Lord. And thank you for the perfect lighting!

By the way, Bangkal is said to have medicinal and anti-malarial properties, eaten by birds and bats and a source of a bright yellow dye.

BANTIGUE and other native trees as BONSAI.

Last Sunday, I was able to pass by the local plant shop in Quezon City. Among the assortment of plant choices, one stall that caught my interest was the area for bonsai. Not that I am a bonsai collector, but because I wanted to check out myself what native species were to be found in the collection. It is not my first time seeing bonsai specimen being sold so I am somewhat accustomed to the species or mediums, which were most popular in this kind of trade. I could distinguish some of the native Philippine tree species that were being sold as I walked my way through the display. Some were already manicured and meticulously shaped to perfection, while others were still bound to the wires that will transform them into masterpieces.

Bonsai masterpieces are very beautiful. One particular species that is evident in this stall or in any other bonsai store that I have visited over the years is the popular Bantigue (Pemphis acidula), which is much sought after due to it’s gnarly twisted branches, white to ash colored wood to give an aged look and the delicate foliage that is layered and tiered to give a statuesque and ancient look. It takes decades or even centuries for a mature specimen to reach a certain size and girth, plus several more years for a bonsai expert to masterfully transform a naturally growing tree into the miniature form that most plant enthusiast want to contain as if it was a pet.

Like most plants and trees, Bantigue and other bonsai specimen need special care and maintenance. I remember the time when a prominent bonsai expert from Pangasinan advised me that since Bantigue is naturally found growing along the coastal area, it needed the occasional salt spray to get optimal growth development that it desperately needs. Or instead, he would use a small amount of “bagoong” (fermented local fish or shrimp paste used as a condiment to accompany some Filipino dishes) to supplement the Bantigue essential nutrients that are also present in the sea.

Indeed, bonsai’s give us a different high upon seeing the creative product, but what most of us do not know is how they are obtained up to the final outcome that they are presented in their respective ceramic dish. Have you seen them in a state where the specimens were just freshly delivered and distributed to the bonsai trade or market? Majority of the specimens, mature and seedlings are indiscriminately collected and taken haphazardly from the wild. Can you imagine what the effect of this will be with regards to the wild populations of specific species not only of the Bantigue, but to all potential bonsai mediums? I can assume that most buyers don’t even know how to take care of these precious jewels. Certain know-how should be attained first before acquiring any kind of specimen. Otherwise, another plant or tree life will pay the cost due to negligence.

CLERODENDRUM QUADRILOCULARE is native to the Philippines.

Starburst, shooting star, fireworks flower are the given english names or names associated to this small tree, but the Philippine official local name given to Clerodendrum quadriloculare is Bagauak-morado. Morado in Spanish means purple, which is the evident underside color of its leaves, while the uppermost leaf coloration is green to dark green. This bush that grows to a small tree is a common ornamental species that is landscaped throughout Metro Manila, capital of the Philippines. The foliage alone is already interesting enough as one would see glimpses of the leaves underside to be in contrast to the dark green upper part of the leaves. Moreso, this small tree is even more spectacular when clusters of flowers abound on the apex of stems as if a splash or burst of white/cream petals and white-pink-fushia-crimson red hues of the corolla may vary according to specimen.