List of Common Ornamental Plants in the Philippines

LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES Aglaonema spp. Plants for partial shade. The simple rule to follow for these slow-growing plants is this: the lighter the variegation, the more light it needs. They have large oval leaves on short stems. Do not expose the Aglaonema to direct sun. It should be planted in a humid area and watered often. A slow-release fertilizer should be given regularly. Aglaonema can be divided during repotting. Small shoots can be potted as individual plants. Aglaonema plants are poisonous due to calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested they cause irritation of the mucous membranes, and the juice can cause skin irritation and painful rash. A. commutatum is native to the Philippines. Aglaonema commutatum ‘Pink Petiole’ Plant for partial shade. This Aglaonema has pinkish leaf stems (leaf stems). It has oblong-elliptical leaves and bears flowers that resemble small greenish-white callas followed by yellow to red berries. It is grown primarily for its foliage. Endemic to the Philippines.

Aglaonema commutatum ‘Red Gold’ Plant for partial shade.


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Aglaonema commutatum ‘Silver Queen’ Plant for partial shade.

Aglaonema ‘Snow White’ Plant for partial shade.

Aglaonema commutatum. Variety unknown Plant for partial shade. The green of the leaves of this plant is much darker than that of the other Aglaonema I have. The plant itself is rounded in shape and is more compact than my other Aglaonemas.

Adenium obesum. Desert Rose. According to Warren, this succulent plant, a native of arid Arabia and East Africa, grows to 1 meter. It has a swollen, pale grey trunk. Its leaves are glossy and club-shaped. It bears trumpet-shaped flowers almost continuously. It has a highly toxic sap. As can be expected from a native of dry Arabia, it does not like too much water and should not be grown in moist places. It is often used as a decorative pot plant. LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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Adiantum raddianum. Delta maidenhair. Origin: tropical and subtropical South America. The maidenhair likes full shade in a humid area and moist but well-drained soil. Despite its fragile looks, this is a hardy plant under proper growing conditions. Dead and damaged fronds should be removed to enable new ones to grow.

Aglaia odorata. Aglaia pinnata. Cinamomo, sinamomong sunsong (Tagalog). Chinese perfume plant. Mock lemon. Cultivated as an ornamental tree or shrub and for its fragrant flowers. Introduced to the Philippines from south-eastern Asia. If allowed to, it can grow to a height of 6 meters. Its upright and bushy growth makes it suitable for use as a hedging plant. It is easy to grow; likes rich, well-drained moist soils, and warmth and humidity. It is tolerant of partial shade but prefers the full sun. Propagated from semi-ripe stem cuttings. Even with little maintenance, this is the kind of plant that becomes an enduring friend. Very easyto-grow. Propagation is by cuttings or air layering. It flowers several times during the year. The tiny yellow flower balls are fragrant in the evening; dried, they are used to perfume clothes and cigarettes, and to scent teas. In Asia, Infusions of the roots and leaves are used to treat fever, convulsive illnesses and menopausal problems. The leaves last long in flower arrangements, though they are perhaps better suited to looser, more ‘natural’ arrangements than to the more formal ones sold by flower shops. (Photo source: www.parks. gov.sg)


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Allamanda violacea Purple allamanda. Vine or climbing shrub with year-round 8 cm funnel-shaped flowers that are reddish-purple fading to pink. While it can cover a trellis or clamber over a wall, it can also be pruned into a free-standing specimen. Regular pinching will keep it in bounds, but too much pinching removes flower buds which form on new growth. All parts of the plant are toxic. The allamanda grows in full sun. It is propagated by woody cuttings, but grows best when grafted on A. cathartica (Yellow Allamanda). I have two varieties: one is more vigorous than the other, has bigger flowers and is more floriferous (photo on top). Althernanthera ficoidea Cucharita (green and white). After nearly two years, my cucharita grew leggy and was fading away under the shade of the palmeras where they had been planted. My gardener took some cuttings, put them aside overnight and stuck them in the soil the next day. They have now taken root and were doing well in mid-December 2004. They are still thriving.

Alpinia purpurata Red ginger. According to Madulid, the red ginger, native to the Pacific Islands, is a recent introduction to the Philippines. Its bright red bracts cover small white flowers. It likes full sun or partial shade, moist but well-drained soil and requires protection from strong winds. Propagated by root division. By December 2004, my plant has disappeared completely: probably defeated by the strongly-growing raphis among which it had been planted


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Alpinia vittata Plant for moderate light conditions. A member of the ginger family, A. vittata is native to the Bismarck Archipelago in the Solomon Islands. It is a plant of the forest understory which is hot and moist climate all year round. A clumping plant, it can rise to 1.5 meters in height outdoors and has 20 cm long lanceshaped leaves edged and banded from the centre to the margin with cream or white stripes. It can bear pendulous pink flowers but rarely does so in cultivation. Alpinia vittata thrives in medium light or filtered direct sunlight. Keeping it in too dark a position will reduce variegation and make the leaves greener. Prolonged direct sunlight can cause foliage to scald, brown or bleach. High humidity is essential. The plant should be watered regularly but should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It is moderately drought tolerant when established. This Alpinia grows vigorously and where they outgrow their allotted space, rhizomes should be dug up, split and replanted. The tallest stalks can be trimmed off to keep this plant to a lower size. The rhizomes should be planted as soon as possible. It is recommended to establish the plant in a pot before planting it in garden. The rhizome should be planted with the top up, no more than 3-4cm under the soil. Avoid planting them too deep to prevent them from rotting. Also, freshly planted rhizomes need oxygen to grow new roots and will die if the planting medium is too dense or too wet. Companion plants: Alpinia vittata makes a striking contrast when planted in along with: Cordyline species, Schefflera arboricola (Green Arboricola), Nephrolepis biserrata cv.’Macho Fern’ (Macho Fern), Brugmansia species (Angel’s Trumpet), Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird of Paradise), Tibouchina heteromalla (Silverleafed Princess Flower) and Agapanthus species. (Source: http://www.plantsrescue.com/alpinia-vittata/)


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American rose Plant vendors in the Philippines have no idea what the scientific names of these roses are and sell them under the all-enveloping term “American rose”

Antidesma bunius. Bignay Have you got a bignay in your garden? Let us know what birds come round to feed on it. Description (Madulid; Fernando). This is a small to mediumsized tree, growing to 10 m tall. Its glossy 20 cm long leaves are oblong with an acuminate tip and a rounded base; their petioles are stout, up to 1 cm long. The small flowers, in drooping racemes about 10 cm long, are yellowish-white, male flowers sessile, female flowers with a small stalk. The edible fruit, about 1 cm in diameter, is deep red to bluish-violet when ripe. Seedlings are occasionally sold at garden centres and garden shows; I have also seen them at a UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños) nursery. Photo: www.filipinoheritage.com Attractive to many birds which eat the fruit and the insects living off it. Among the birds that have been observed feeding on the tree are: common garden birds like Pied Fantail (Maria Capra), Yellow-vented Bulbul (Malipago), Black-Naped Oriole (Kiyaw; Kilyawan); Red-keeled Flowerpecker; and forest birds such as Philippine Bulbul, Yellow-Wattled Bulbul and the spectacular Luzon Hornbill (Tarictic).


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Aptenia cordifolia Baby Sun Rose. A native of the coastal plains of South Africa, this plant makes an excellent ground cover. It reaches a spread of 2 feet or more and a height of 4 to 6 in. It blooms throughout the year and its flowers are 1 in across, purplish red and resemble daisies. Its leaves are small and thick. Aptenia cordifolia needs full sun and well-drained soil. A drought-tolerant (and salt-tolerant) plant, it should be watered only when it is thoroughly dry. An internet source does not recommend the use of fertilizer with this plant. Stringy stems should be removed to promote growth. In addition to its use as ground cover, it makes a good pot plant and can be used at the foot of taller plants in pots and allowed to climb over the pot rims. (Info sources: various interset sites) Artabotrys hexapetalus (L.f.) Bhand Climbing ylang-ylang. Described by internet sources as a woody climber with a spiny trunk. Bears fragrant six-petal fleshy flowers that are greeny yellow at first, turning yellowgreen as they age. The leaves, up to 15 cm in length, are dull green. Also said to bear fleshy yellow berry-like fruit in clusters of up to 25. Synonym: Artabotrys odoratissimus. Ylang-ylang climber; hara-champa. Described by the Web as a 2-3.5 metre woody climber which climbs with a curved hook developed from flower stamens. Can be allowed to become a dense evergreen shrub bearing fragrant light green flowers which turn yellow with age. Main flowering season: summer and the rains. Needs the full sun to flourish. Propagated by seed or ripe cuttings.


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Asplenium musifolium Giant bird’s nest; dapong babae, pakpak lawin babae. Epiphytic fern similar to A. nidus but with much longer and much wider leaves. (My plant has leaves that are about 170 cm long and 23 cm at their widest point.) Will adjust to full sun but prefers light shade. Tolerates a dry spell but does best with frequent watering. Propagation is by spores, which often sprout in moist areas around the parent plant.

Asplenium nidus L Bird’s nest fern, dapong lalaki, pugad lawin. Epiphytic fern. Requires abundant moisture and shade for optimum growth. Propagated by spores. Garden centres say that they can get used to the sun.

Atriplex halimus Silver dust; Mediterranean saltbush. The variety that is known as ‘Silver Dust’ in the Philippines has attractive silver-grey leaves and small light purple flowers. It is drought resistant and can be pruned quite closely.


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Bauhinia blakeana. Hongkong Orchid Tree. There is apparently strong circumstantial evidence suggesting that all trees of this Bauhinia cultivated today originate from a single ancestor grown in the Hong Kong Botanic Gardens. It has large deep rose-red, orchid-shaped blooms with a touch of white. The flowers can be cut and brought indoors. It is exceptionally long-blooming. Some sources say it is semievergreen, others state that it is evergreen . Another feature of this tree are the twin-lobed leaves, which are typical of the Bauhinia genus. It is a deep-rooted plant so it does not like to be transplanted. It will tolerate hot, exposed positions and dry soils. Some sources say it requires full sun and regular watering. Others say that it is an excellent choice for sites that have dry soil or require drought tolerance. It also grows well in acidic soils. My supplier told me that this would be a small tree, no more than 5 feet high, but internet sources say it grows to a height of 9 meters and a width of 4.5 meters. Certainly too big for the space I had in mind. However,as the flowers are so beguiling, I am keeping the two plants I bought. Perhaps in the tropics it doesn’t grow quite as tall as in subtropics? We’ll find out soon enough. The Blakeana is completely sterile and thus requires artificial propagation . It can be grown from softwood and semi-hard cuttings, and by air-layering. It should be pruned regularly when it is young to help create a stronger structure. The branches can be brittle and may break off. Bauhinia kockiana Climbing Bauhinia. 1 at P 1,500 from Anihan. A native of the Malaysian jungle, this vine produces a frequent display of orange and red-orange flowers that can be up to 3.5 cm across in long racemes of up to 40 cm. Flowers age to orange-yellow or golden-yellow before they fade. Requires a stout support on which to grow. Likes rich, well-drained soil; prefers roots to be in the shade. Propagated by means of woody cuttings or seeds.


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Bougainvillea Sources of plant: the national road that goes through Bae, Laguna is lined with bougainvillea garden centres. They offer young plants as well as old, shaped ones with trunks the size of fists. Prices can drop to a third during the non-flowering (rainy) season, and may begin at Pesos 25 for new plants. I have seen a magnificent specimen selling for P10,000.

Beaumontia grandiflora Easter lily vine, herald’s trumpet, Nepal trumpet flower. Woody vine from the Himalayan tropics. Has large fragrant white flowers resembling lilies. A strong growing climber, it can reach 6 m in full sun. The flowers appear on mature plants (about two years old) on year-old wood in trusses particularly during the cool season. The large leaves are glossy and dark green on the upper surface, pale and hairy underneath. Requires copious watering and well-drained soil. Propagation: take cuttings from firm new growth, apply rooting hormone, stick in well-drained soil and mist. May take 25-50 days to root. Brugmansia versicolor ‘Peach’ 1 at P150. In time, this can become a small tree. It has oblong smooth-edged leaves and pendulous flowers which are fragrant at night. The corollas are pale yellow at first, turning white and then peach as the flowers age; the teeth are long, flaring and recurved. Propagated from seed and by stem cuttings (these root quite easily and will do so even in water).


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Brugmansia x candida ‘Double White’, ‘Flore Pleno’ Double Angel’s Trumpet. From a small nursery in Barangay Maharlika, Tagaytay. P15. A double-flowered brugmansia, with large velvety leaves and pendant hose-in-hose white ruffled flowers with a sweet musky scent. The foliage is easily distinguished from those of the other varieties by its soft grey hairs. Thought to be a hybrid between Brugmansia aurea and B. versicolor. Attractive to bees, birds and butterflies. It likes the sun, but will grow in partial shade. It should be watered regularly but not over-watered. It can be propagated from seeds and from stem cuttings; the latter will also root in water. Bromeliads 3 plants; tolerates the sun. I am told that bromeliads that do not flower will tolerate some sun and that those that bear flowers have to be put in the shade. The ororojo does not flower. Brunfelsia americana Lady of the night. This native of the West Indies can develop into a small tree, up to 5 metres tall, but is generally grown as a shrub. It has upright, thin woody stems and dark green, leathery leaves. It has solitary, creamy-white five-petal flowers (which turn yellow as they age) with tubes up to 5 cm long. Flowers are borne on and off throughout the year. Fragrant only after dark, they have a smell reminiscent of jasmine with spicy undertones. The fruit is a marble-sized capsule with 2-10 black seeds. Brunfelsia panciflora Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Medium-sized shrub from South America. Fragrant tubular flowers open a rich lavender blue, and turn pale lavender and then white as they age. Grows to 1 metre. Likes some shade, rich well-composted soil and a warm, wind-sheltered position. Should be watered regularly. It is propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. Flowers well in December and April-May.


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Bucida spinosa, Bucida molinetii Spiny black olive. Bought tree-sized specimen at P1,800. The bucida can grow to 3 m. Its major appeal lies in the growth of its leaves, which form in a horizontal zigzag pattern with almost no bottom growth. Once the branches are formed, the clip-and-grow method is all that it requires. Its leaves are tiny and while it is a prolific bloomer, its flowers are so small as to be insignificant. Its bark is rough and its trunk has a twisting movement. Suitable for bonsai cultivation. It likes the full sun and a moist soil. Possible sources: Josie’s Gardens at RBR Laguna Gardens, Bagong Kalsada, Calamba City, Laguna and the numerous other garden centres that line the Calamba national road (and side roads: Bacnotan Drive). Had tiny white flowers in April 2004.

Caladium humboldtii Plant for the shade (but see also below). Graceful herb to 20 cm. tall. Leaves are heart-shaped, green with dominant white patches. Native to Brazil. A perennial that can be used as ground cover, it can grow in partial to full shade as well as in the sun. Another one of those rare plants that can grow anywhere. It should be watered regularly but should not be overwatered. It is propagated by dividing rhizones, tubers, corms or bulbs.


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Calathea zebrina Calathea Zebra Plant. Plant for the shade. The Calathea zebrina’s bright green leaves grow on the tips of their stems, are boldly striped in a striking feather-like pattern and are red-purple underneath. They can reach a length of 2 feet. The plant itself can grow to 1 meter. It bears insignificant flowers. The plant should be kept moist, not wet, and it should be fertilized occasionally with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer. Too much and the plant will grow leggy. These plants grow in the shaded understory of tropical forests of the Americas and don’t need strong light. Good light is nevertheless required for the leaves to attain their best colour. The plant should be divided when there are several rosettes at the base. A sharp blade should be used to separate the rosettes which should then be planted each in its own pot. (Info from several internet sources.) Calotropis gigantea Ivory plant, kapal-kapal, crown flower. Shrub, to 4 m tall, with waxy stems which produce a milky sap when cut. The leaves are obovate, are about 18 cm long and 12 cm wide; they are grey-green above and have a whitish powder below. The white flowers grow from the leaf axils, are star shaped, and are surrounded by a crown of 5 flesh lobes.

Canarium ovatum Engl. Pili. Marcotted. Obtained from Legazpi City. Indigenous to the Philippines. This tree grows to a height of 35 m. The leaves are usually three- to four-paired, ending in a terminal leaflet. The small flowers grow in clusters and the fruit is ovoid, up to 5 cm long, and is smooth and black when ripe. The tree is long-lived (the owners of one tree in the Bicol region claim it is 200 years old) and can bear up to 24,000 fruit at a time. When freshly picked, the ripe whole fruit can be boiled and the soft thick pulp eaten as a vegetable or salad. The hard-shelled kernel is the well-known pili nut. The resin extracted from the bark is an export product and has both pharmaceutical and industrial uses. It is an ingredient in the manufacture of plasters, ointments, paints, varnish, sealants, lacquers, asphalt, water and fire proofing, linoleum, plastics and printing inks. The oil from both kernel and pulp is LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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considered equal to olive oil in quality and is suitable for culinary uses. Catharanthus roseus, Vinca rosea, Madagascar periwinkle Chichirica. I started out with 60 of these. Perennial shrub. Height: 30-60 cm, tends to flop. Produces almost continuous display of five-lobed flowers that are dark pink, pink, white or white with red rings. Poisonous. Prefers a sunny, welldrained location. Easily propagated from seeds; self-seeds freely. Dislikes too much water. Attracts butterflies. The vinca’s flowering life can be prolonged by pruning when the stems grow too lanky and bear fewer flowers.

Cassia alata L. Akapulco, bikas-bikas. Candle bush. This attractive but short-lived shrub is named for its flower buds which grow in a column and look like fat yellow candles each complete with a flame. It was introduced to other tropical areas from the Americas and is now widely considered a weed. The leaves and sap contain a fungicide (an acid) which is effective against fungal infections such as ringworm, and is useful in soaps, shampoos and lotions. The plant’s other chemical contents enable it to act as a laxative and to expel intestinal parasites. In Africa, the boiled leaves are used to treat high-blood pressure. In South America, the cassia is utilized to treat a wide range of ailments from stomach problems, fever, asthma to snake bite and venereal diseases. It is the food plant of some butterfly caterpillars. The plant recruits bodyguards against these caterpillars in the form of ants, which are attracted to the nectar produced by the “extrafloral nectarines” found near the base of the leaves. As a short-lived plant which grows commonly in damp wastelands, it helps to colonize these areas and pave the way for the regeneration of growth. All in all, an extremely valuable plant.


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Cestrum nocturnum Dama de noche; Queen of the Night. This not very pretty shrub grows quite quickly. It should not be planted near drains or filters as these can get blocked by the slender flowers which fall profusely. It blooms several times a year. In my garden it has flowered in January, March, May, June. The small greenish flowers have a powerful fragrance which is released at night, hence the plant’s name. Pruning to keep its size within bounds seems to encourage it to flower again. Propagation is by cuttings. Chamaedorea seifrizii Seifrizii. Reed palm. I started with nine of these in pots. An elegant clump-forming palm with cane-like stems, this is an ideal pot plant and houseplant. It has been said to grow quickly to a mature height of 2 m and to seed early. It likes shade and can be easily propagated by division. The black seeds on dark orange stems make a striking contrast. The books say that it should be grown in a shaded, sheltered courtyard or border.

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Palmera. I started with 6 of these planted along the garden wall.


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Citrus aurantiifolia Dayap; lime: variegated cultivar. From India to the Malay Peninsula to the Philippines. Propagated from seeds or from cuttings. It is known as a host plant for several species of butterflies: its leaves provide food for caterpillars.

Citrus maxima Lukban, pomelo, suha. My suha is still only about 50 cm tall and has not fruited, but it already plays host to the lime butterfly. Citrus microcarpa Kalamansi. In mid-January 2005, this was populated by about 15 caterpillars. It sprung a full coat of leaves in April-May. Citrus microcarpa Kalamansi, variegated form. It fruited fairly well for some months since then; by December 2004 there were only a few tiny fruit. The fruit is larger than the common kalamansi and, like the leaves, it is variegated. This plant always keeps its full complement of leaves and is obviously not a favourite of caterpillars. Flowering timidly by mid-January 2005, the plant was fruiting quite well by April-May.


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Clerodendrum macrosiphon Do-re-mi plant; musical note shrub. I started with 6 of these. Shrub to 2-3 feet. Indigenous to New Guinea and the Philippines. Grows in primary forests at low and medium altitudes. The short-lived (they fall in two to three days) white flowers resemble musical notes in the bud and open to small flowers with red stamens. The plant blooms intermittently throughout the year, though January-February seems to be a dormant period. Slowly coming into flower in early March 2004. Clerodendrum philippinum, C. chinense Shrub, 1.2-2.4 metres tall, with dense terminal heads of fragrant (often sterile) white-pink-mauve flowers which look like tight nosegays. The leaves are large (6-10 cm long), opposite and simple with variable margins. Thrives in moist and fertile soil. While it tolerates shade, it prefers sunny locations. It can be invasive and is considered a potential environmental weed in some countries. Propagated by root suckers.

Clerodendrum quadriloculare Bagawak. I started with 2 of these. This tall shrub or small tree, growing to a height of 5 m, is a Philippine native. The large paired oval leaves are dark green above, reddish purple underneath. The flowers are produced in large showy clusters around 25 cm in diameter, each with a narrow pink tube about 7 cm long, ending in five white spreading petal lobes. Nectar-bearing, they are attractive to butterflies. The plant produces numerous seeds and suckers profusely from the roots. The fruit is ellipsoid and is up to 1.5 cm in length. Considered an invasive weed in some countries.


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Clerodendrum thomsonae Known as Bleeding Heart in the Philippines. Glorybower. A native of West Africa, this slender woody vine is one of the few flowering vines for the shade. It has clusters of brilliant red flowers surrounded by white inflated calyxes, which are its most distinctive ornamental feature. The flowers are nectar-bearing and are attractive to butterlifes. It has dark green ovate leaves 7-10 cm long and soft, slightly wooden stems. It likes somewhat dry conditions and at least partial shade. The flowers should be picked off when faded, and the vine should be pruned as needed. It is propagated from suckers or green wood cuttings. Clerodendrum ugandense Blue butterfly. This scandent shrub with pale and dark blue flowers grows tall quite rapidly. It is propagated by airlayering or from woody cuttings. It blooms on and off throughout the year. It was not too floriferous in the rainy month of July 2003, but came into its own in the drier month of November.

Clitoria ternatea L. Blue pea vine, pukinggan. I bought 2 plants for P40 from one of the nurseries in Barangay Maharlika, Tagaytay. The leaves consist of five leaflets with short petioles. The flowers are described as solitary bright blue flowers with yellow markings on white centres. They are borne in great numbers throughout the year. The pod is flat, linear, green and up to 10 cm long.


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Cordyline fruticosa; Cordyline terminalis It has a single, unbranched stem, with the leaves crowded at the end of stem. It bears flowers in panicles from the leaf cluster, which are followed by berry-like fruit. Several cultivars of varied leaf sizes, shapes and colours have recently been introduced to the Philippines. Most need the sun to develop their full leaf colours, though some prefer the shade. The colours become more intense during the drier, cooler months that follow the rainy season.

Crossandra infundibuliformis Common crossandra. Shrub to 90 cm tall. Native to India, tropical Africa and Madagascar. Recently introduced to the Philippines. The yellow-orange flowers are nectar-bearing and are attractive to butterflies. Propagated by stem cuttings.

Cymbidium Enzan Delight 'Fluorish' Tentative ID: Cymbidium Enzan Delight 'Fluorish'. A hybrid orchid with all-yellow flowers patented in Korea. I was encouraged to buy several pots of this Cymbidium by an enthusiast who said it blooms frequently, multiplies rapidly and is very easy to care for. I was looking for flowering plants to brighten up my garden and what she said sounded good to me. Five months after purchase, my plants continue to look healthy, though they haven’t quite lived up to the promise of frequent blooms. The one in the photograph was the most mature of the lot when I bought them and had the biggest clump. Perhaps this is the reason why it has bloomed at least 3 times since its purchase, and this month’s flowers are particularly large. I have them planted in a border under direct sun and they are fertilized either with urea (to encourage leaf growth) and Osmocote or Complete (to encourage flowering).


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Cymbopogon citratus Lemon grass, tanglad. I have both the Philippine and the Thai varieties. To me the Thai variety has the more delicate scent and flavour. Madulid and internet sources give both varieties the same scientific name. Both are clump-forming grasses that grow to 1.8 m. Their flowers are large, compound panicles with loose slender branches. They are propagated by division and are said to be native to Sri Lanka and southern India.

Cyrtostachy renda Red palm; sealing wax palm. This is a medium-sized tufted palm, which means that it produces offshoots and grows as a clump of slender trunks, each with its own crown of leaves. It has bright red leaf sheaths, which appear down nearly the full length of the trunks as well as along the leaf stalk. The leaves are stiff and feather-shaped, and a fully grown clump is not too large for a small garden. Rises to about 6 m. The red palm is said to be easy to grow provided it gets a lot of water and the full sun. Propagation by offshoots. (Idea for planting: combine with bromeliads with a touch of red in their leaves)

Danella tasmanica ‘Variegata’ Variegated Flax Lily. Tentative ID. This is a variegated evergreen with strappy leaves that are yellow-edged with green central panels. It bears small blue flowers which give rise to blue berries. It grows from 1 to 3 feet tall with equal spread. Although it grows well when planted in shady locations, it does best when it receives full or partial sun for most of the day. It is drought-tolerant but it needs consistently moist soil during its first growing season. This helps it establish the strong, deep root system that allows it to tolerate drought conditions later in its life. In its second and subsequent seasons, water it only during periods of extreme drought. Too much water will make it susceptible to scale and other pests. If other plants in the garden are experiencing drought stress, the flax lily probably is as well, so water it slowly to a depth LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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of 10 inches. It should be fertilized montly during the growing season. It is propagated by dividing up established plants. It should be dug up, and a shovel driven through its root ball. The plant is native to Tasmania, Australia. (Info from various internet sources.) Dendrobium According to the American Orchid Society (AOS), these are the most common orchids in the retail trade. They are epiphytes or air plants with well-developed water-storage organs (pseudobulbs), often referred to as canes because they are upright and leafy. AOS says they should be potted in porus, free-draining media. There are many types of denrobiums, but Dendrobium phalaenopsis varieties are the most frequently encountered. The flowers of these varieties resemble those of the Phalaenopsis or moth orchids. Canarium ovatum Engl. Pili. Marcotted. Obtained from Legazpi City. Indigenous to the Philippines. This tree grows to a height of 35 m. The leaves are usually three- to four-paired, ending in a terminal leaflet. The small flowers grow in clusters and the fruit is ovoid, up to 5 cm long, and is smooth and black when ripe. The tree is long-lived (the owners of one tree in the Bicol region claim it is 200 years old) and can bear up to 24,000 fruit at a time. When freshly picked, the ripe whole fruit can be boiled and the soft thick pulp eaten as a vegetable or salad. The hard-shelled kernel is the well-known pili nut. The resin extracted from the bark is an export product and has both pharmaceutical and industrial uses. It is an ingredient in the manufacture of plasters, ointments, paints, varnish, sealants, lacquers, asphalt, water and fire proofing, linoleum, plastics and printing inks. The oil from both kernel and pulp is considered equal to olive oil in quality and is suitable for culinary uses.


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Dianthera candicans Pink candy justicia. This native of Mexico is a climbing shrub with lanceolate, dark green leaves. Its bilabiate flowers are pale red to crimson, with the lower lip divided into three segments. Propagated from cuttings. I have lost this plant.

Dipladenia sanderi; Mandevilla sanderi. Dipladenia (Mandevilla) splendens, M. boliviensis Family: Apocynaceae. Origin: south-eastern Brazil. A tender woody vine which provides a non-stop bounty of huge white (also pink) trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters. The flowers have gold throats and are up to 10 cm across. Blooms heaviest in the hottest months and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. Fuzzy young stems twine around supports eventually scrambling to heights up to 3.5 meters. The handsome leathery leaves are dark green, up to 20 cm long and 7 to 10 cm wide. Given adequate care, the Dipladenia is pest free (except for aphids, which can multiply to alarming proportions if left unchecked) and fast growing. Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Dischorisandra thrysiflora Blue ginger. According to Warren, this is not a ginger but a spiderwort. It has cane-like, jointed stalks rising to about 1.5 metres from underground stems. Its leaves are dark green, lightly banded with silver and with a purplish-blue wash underneath. Its large terminal clusters of flowers are dark blue-mauve with white and yellow centres. It likes filtered light and moist-well drained soil. It is propagated from tip cuttings or by root division. Origin: tropical America.


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Dracaena australis. Cordyline australis Yucca. False yucca. 1 at P2,000. Palm-like tree to 8 m, unlike palms, however, it has many branches high up on the trunk. The leaves are sword-shaped, leathery, up to 90 cm long and 5 cm wide, and are borne in tufts at the ends of branches. It bears numerous panicles of small white fragrant flowers, which are followed by berries. This native of New Zealand was given the name “cabbage tree” by early settlers who used its inner leaves and stems as a cooked or raw vegetable. Propagated from stem cuttings or from seeds. Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India´ 1 at P700. This is a multi-trunk or clumping shrub. It has narrow dark green leaves with bright yellow margins. Can become a small tree, although its stems are weak and may require support to keep the plant from sprawling. The Reflexa bears white flowers once annually. It prefers lightly shady to shady conditions. Needs to be watered regularly as the soil must be kept moist. Propagated from stem cuttings and by division.

Dracaena reflexa Lam. ‘Song of Thailand’ Similar to Song of India, but the leaves have light cream to white stripes. A recent introduction to the Philippines. 7 given by Belle. Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’ 6 at P100. Native to Madagascar. Recently introduced to the Philippines. Unbranched or rarely branched plant, with a slender trunk and 60 cm long narrow leaves which taper to a point. Its predominantly green leaves have a red-purple stripe running along the outer edges, hence its name. The ‘Tricolor’ has in addition white or yellowish stripes along the green centre, giving the plant an overall greenish-gold colour. Thrives in sunlight and well-drained soil. Slow growing. Propagated from stem cuttings.


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Duranta repens Golden dewdrop (the name comes from the bright orangeyellow berries that follow the flowers); Sky flowers; Pigeon berry. The duranta can be grown as a shrub which can arch to 25 feet; it can also be grown as a tree. Either way, it requires frequent pruning to keep in shape. It likes the full sun and frequent deep watering. It is easy to root from cuttings, and can be propagated from seeds. It flowers continuously throughout the year. Nectar-filled, the flowers are attractive to butterflies. Dypsis madagascariensis lucubensis. Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis Becc. Madagascar palm. 1 at P200. A handsome, mediumsized solitary palm (there is also a clumping form), to about 15m, with a thick, closely ringed grey trunk. It has a tristichous leaf arrangement, long thin leaflets, and slightly plumose leaves. Needs full sun and regular watering.

Ervatamia divaricata; Tabernaemontana divaricata Pandacaqui (in the Philippines). Pinwheel flower. Crape jasmine. Native to India. 10 at P75. Beautifully shaped shrub which forms mounds that can be 2 m high. The branches tend to grow almost parallel to the ground, giving the shrub an attractive horizontal aspect. Its large shiny leaves are deep green and are 15 cm or more in length and about 5 cm wide. The waxy blossoms are white five-petal pinwheels which are borne profusely throughout the year. They have a gentle perfume which is best enjoyed in the evening – the heat vaporizes the scent during the day. Not particular about soil, the crape jasmine nevertheless responds well to the application of fertilizer. It should be pruned lightly to maintain its form. It grows in sun or partial shade and tends to be more compact in the sun. It should be watered during dry periods and requires good drainage. Propagated from seeds and cuttings. Once started, it grows fairly rapidly.


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Ervatamia divaricata ‘Flore Pleno’ Butterfly gardenia. 1 large at P600; 3 small at P80. This cultivar has white, double flowers. It blooms frequently but not as profusely as the crape jasmine. The ‘Flore Pleno’ has the same cultural requirements as the crape jasmine. Both can be grown as potted plants as they respond well to pruning.

Erythrina crista-galli Cockspur coral tree. My plant cost P1,000. A medium-sized tree (to 4 m) native to Brazil, the Erythrina has long drooping sprays of coral red flowers at branch ends, and trifoliate leaves with backward-pointing prickles along the stem. It bears flowers in waves throughout the year, and it is said to bloom best after a period of drought. All plant parts are poisonous. It likes the full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It should be pruned hard immediately after flowering to produce flowering stems for the following season. In some countries it develops galls, but these do not seem to harm the tree. More troublesome is a boring insect which enters at branch tips; the branch should be cut below the borer as soon as an infestation becomes visible. The Erythrina will eventually develop a gnarled trunk. It self-seeds freely, and is propagated easily from seeds, semi-hard wood cuttings and by marcotting. Etlingera elatior Torch ginger. Belonging to family of the Zingeberaceae and a native of tropical Asia, E. elatior is one of the most beautiful of flowering tropical plants. Growing from underground rhizomes, its tall leafstalks can reach a height of 4-5 m. The flower torches, rising to about 1 m, also emerge from the ground on long stalks. The most common form has bright red flowers; there is a form with pink flowers. The flower heads are eaten raw in Malaysia, before the bracts begin to open, as are the young shoots and fruits. The torch ginger likes full sun or light shade and rich, well drained soil, with plenty of water and protection from strong winds. It LIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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produces high yields of shoots with low levels of fertilizer. The Etlingera is a perennial and can be harvested continuously with low labour input. Euphorbia milii Euphorbia milii and hybrids. Euphorbia milii is a slowgrowing evergreen succulent shrub which can attain a height of two feet. It has green leaves and either yellow, red or pink flowers. Various hybrids of the plant have been produced offering larger, different color bracts, whether yellow or pink. Brightly coloured bracts (modified leaves) resemble petals and give the crown of thorns its colourful appeal, while the true flowers of the plant are small and unobtrusive. The plant has a high drought tolerance. It is also salt-tolerant. It can be propagated by cuttings. Some advise that the cutting should be allowed to dry for three to four days until the cut end has callused over. A dip in rooting compound containing a fungicide is also recommended before placing the cutting in a slightly moist, very well draining potting mix. I have not followed this advice where I live and manage to grow new plants from cuttings nonetheless. The sap of this plant can be a skin irritant. The plant has thorns. The Chinese grow E. millii as a plant of fortune. It is said that they believe that when the plant produces 8 flowers in an inflorescence, they will be lucky. The hybridization of E. millii started in Thailand and China around 1990. (Info obtained from internet sources.) Evolvulus glomeratus ‘Blue Daze’ The ‘Blue Daze’ belongs to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). It is a ground cover with clear blue flowers on the tips of trailing stems, and attractive soft greygreen leaves. Flowering is usually prolific and showy, with the individual flowers lasting only one day and closing in the early evening hours as well as on overcast days. The ‘Blue Daze’ persists for many years in sunny locations, but it will also grow in light shade. Although it needs moist soil for best growth, over-watering can cause fungal problems. It is deepLIST OF COMMON ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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rooted and, once established, it will tend to be somewhat drought tolerant, but it will die if it is kept too dry. As it is tolerant of salt, it can grow well in coastal gardens. The ‘Blue Daze’ is a moderate to heavy feeder. It is propagated from softwood stem cuttings or from seeds. Its stems take root where they touch the ground, and rooted stems can be separated from the main plant. Excoecaria cochinchinensis Chinese croton. Called Picara in the Philippines. I started out with 6 of these. According to Madulid, this is a native of China and Japan. It is a low-growing shrub (to 1 m) with arching stems. My plants have leaves that are variegated pale green and off-white on top and bright lacquer red underneath. Like other members of the Euphorbia family, the sap of the Chinese croton is poisonous. It prefers open, sunny places and rich soil, and requires constant watering. It is propagated from stem cuttings.


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List of Common Ornamental Plants in the Philippines

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