Plant Library

When I retired from counting logs, I began counting leaves.

This is my living plant collection—not for sale, not for show, but as a record of stewardship. It is a collection of the plants God has placed in my care, from the towering trees of our family's forest to the vegetables, fruits, and herbs growing in my home garden.

Each plant has a story.

Some nourish us.

Some provide shade.

Some enrich the soil.

Some have long been valued in traditional healing.

All remind me that every part of God's creation has a purpose.

This page serves as the master index of my growing Plant Profiles. As I continue observing, researching, and learning, I will gradually add new profiles to this collection. My hope is that it becomes a helpful resource for gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about Philippine plants and responsible stewardship.

A Gentle Reminder

I am a retired Certified Public Accountant and a lifelong student of medicinal plants—not a physician, pharmacist, or licensed herbal practitioner. The information shared here is intended for education, personal observation, and appreciation of plants. It should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using medicinal plants, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing medical conditions, or are taking prescription medications.

Forest Trees & Forest Plants

"The canopy above us reminds us that the greatest blessings often take many years to grow."

These are some of the trees and useful plants growing naturally in our family's forest. While not all are trees has medicinal purpose, each contributes to the health of the forest ecosystem and reflects the importance of responsible stewardship.  You will find the common names and primary values of the forest trees and plants:

Common Name:   Acacia (Rain Tree)
Primary Value:      Furniture & Construction Material

Common Name:  Amugis

Primary Value:      Furniture & Construction Material

Common Name    Anahaw

Primary Value:          Native palm use for wildlife & traditional use

Common Name:    Anapla

Primary Value:           Supports soil and water conservation

Common Name:    Anilao

Primary Value:        Shade tree

Common Name:    Bagto (Small Bamboo)

Primary Value:         Helps stabilized soil & provides traditional

Common Name:    Banaba

Primary Value:                                     Traditional medicinal tree

Common Name:     Bayabas (Guava)

Primary Value:        Friot tree & traditional medicinal use

Common Name:    Duhat

Primary Value:        Fruit & shade tree

Common Name:     Kalumpang

Primary Value:         Shade tree with edible cooked seeds

Common Name:    Inian

Primary Value:         Native forest species

Common Name:    Mambog

Primary Value:        -Fast-growing tree for reforestation

Common Name:    Narra

Primary Value:        Philippine National tree & premium  hardwood

Common Name:    Sampalokan

Primary Value:         Native Hardwood & canopy tree

Common Name:    Taluto

Primary Value:         Firewood

Farm & Utility Plants

"Plants that feed families, enrich the soil, and teach us patience."

These plants support food security, sustainable farming, and healthier soils while providing valuable resources for everyday life.

Common Name:     Bignay

Primary Value:       Fruit, preserves, and wildlife food

Common Name:    Banana

Primary Value:       Food , Mulch, compost and shade

Commone Name:    Cassava

Primary Value:        Drought-tolerant food crop

Common Name:    Dragon Fruit

Primary Value:      High-value fruit crop

Common Name:  Turmeric

Primary Value:    Culinary spice with traditional medicinal uses

Common Name:  Malunggay (Moringa)

Primary Value:    Highly nutritious leafy tree

Common Name: Katuray (Humming Tree)

Primary Value:    Green fertilizer and edible flowers

Common Name:  Gmelina

Primary Value:     Fast-growing timber

Common Name:  Ipil-Ipil

Primary Value:    Nitrogen fixer, fodder, and fuelwood

Home Garden

"A small garden can grow more than food—it can also grow gratitude, curiosity, and hope."

My home garden reminds me that meaningful gardening does not require a large property. Even a small space can provide fresh food, useful herbs, beauty, and daily lessons.

Leafy Greens & Vegetables

Lettuce • Kangkong • Alugbati • Saluyot • Pechay • Okra • Squash (Calabasa) • Sayote • Ampalaya • Spring Onion • Garlic • Red Onion

Individual Plant Profiles coming soon.

Culinary & Traditional Herbs

Oregano • Blue Ternate (Butterfly Pea) • Basil • Peppermint • Aloe Vera • Neem • Isuline Plant

Individual Plant Profiles coming soon.

Peppers & Specialty Plants

Siling Labuyo • Cattle Horn Pepper • Bell Pepper

Individual Plant Profiles coming soon.

Fruits

Papaya • Melon • Watermelon • Strawberry • Raspberry • Blueberry • Kiwi • Apple • Longan • Jaboticaba (Brazilian Grape) • Kamias • Cherry Tomato

Individual Plant Profiles coming soon.

What You'll Find in Every Plant Profile

Each Plant Profile follows a consistent format to make it easy to learn and compare different plants.

• Common Name 

• Botanical Name 

• Plant Family 

• Local & Regional Names 

• Where I Found It (forest, farm, home garden, local nursery, public market, or shared by a neighbor) 

• Plant Description 

• Ecological Importance 

• Traditional Uses 

• Current Scientific Research 

• How I Grow or Observe It 

• My Personal Notes & Reflections 

• Conservation Status (when available) 

• Precautions & Responsible Use 

• References (APA Format) 

Each profile combines my personal observations with information gathered from reputable botanical references and scientific literature.

This Library Continues to Grow

Just as no forest is planted in a single day, this library will continue to grow—one plant at a time.

Every season brings new observations, new questions, and new opportunities to learn.

If there is a particular plant you would like me to study next, I would be delighted to hear from you through the Contact page.

Together, let us continue growing in knowledge, stewardship, and appreciation for God's remarkable creation.

From spreadsheets to bushes. 
From assets to living treasures. 
Growing Wisdom, One Herb & One Story at a Time.