The Philippines is a hotspot of plant diversity, from coastal mangroves to montane forests, and local species shape landscapes, culture, and gardens. Whether you’re researching plants for restoration, landscaping, or simple curiosity, a concise list helps spot patterns in size and habitat across regions.
There are 72 The Philippines’ native plants, ranging from Alibangbang to Ylang-ylang Gubat. Each entry is listed with Scientific name,Max height (m),Range / habitat so you can quickly compare identification details, expected mature size, and natural distribution; you’ll find these details below.
How can I use this list to choose plants for my area?
Look up species whose Range / habitat matches your locale, then check Max height (m) to plan spacing and canopy layers; prioritize plants native to similar soil and moisture conditions and source nursery-grown stock rather than wild-collected specimens.
Are any of these species protected or regulated?
Some species may be rare or legally protected—consult the DENR, local conservation lists, or CITES notices before collecting seed or plants, and favor reputable nurseries and restoration programs to avoid harming wild populations.
The Philippines’ Native Plants
| Common name | Scientific name | Max height (m) | Range / habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narra | Pterocarpus indicus | 40 | Widespread in low to medium altitude forests and open country throughout the Philippines. |
| Molave | Vitex parviflora | 30 | Common in monsoon forests at low altitudes, especially in areas with a dry season. |
| Almaciga | Agathis philippinensis | 60 | Montane forests of Luzon, Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao, typically above 200 meters. |
| Ilang-ilang | Cananga odorata | 30 | Found in lowland forests and thickets throughout the Philippines. |
| Katmon | Dillenia philippinensis | 15 | Common in forests at low and medium altitudes throughout the Philippines. |
| Anahaw | Saribus rotundifolius | 20 | Found in lowland forests and open areas across the Philippines. |
| Pili | Canarium ovatum | 25 | Endemic to the Bicol region, Visayas, and parts of southern Luzon. |
| Waling-waling | Vanda sanderiana | 0.6 | Endemic to Mindanao, found on tree trunks in dipterocarp forests (Davao, Cotabato, Zamboanga). |
| Jade Vine | Strongylodon macrobotrys | 20 | Endemic to rainforests of Luzon and Mindoro, often found along streams or in ravines. |
| Kapa-kapa | Medinilla magnifica | 3 | Endemic to Luzon and Mindoro, growing as an epiphyte on trees in cloud forests. |
| Banaba | Lagerstroemia speciosa | 30 | Common in secondary forests at low and medium altitudes throughout the Philippines. |
| Philippine Teak | Tectona philippinensis | 25 | Endemic to dry, limestone forests in Batangas and Ilin Island, Mindoro. |
| Yakal | Shorea astylosa | 35 | Endemic to Luzon, particularly in the Quezon and Bicol regions, in lowland dipterocarp forests. |
| Apitong | Dipterocarpus grandiflorus | 45 | Widespread in lowland primary forests throughout the Philippines. |
| Dita | Alstonia scholaris | 40 | Found in a wide range of habitats from lowlands to mountains across the Philippines. |
| Tindalo | Afzelia rhomboidea | 35 | Low to medium altitude forests, often in coastal areas, in Luzon, Palawan, and Mindanao. |
| Kamagong | Diospyros blancoi | 30 | Low to medium altitude primary and secondary forests throughout the Philippines. |
| Lagundi | Vitex negundo | 5 | Found in thickets, waste places, and coastal areas throughout the country. |
| Sambong | Blumea balsamifera | 3 | Grows in grasslands and open fields at low and medium altitudes. |
| Tsaang Gubat | Ehretia microphylla | 5 | Common in secondary forests and thickets at low altitudes throughout the Philippines. |
| Niyog-niyogan | Combretum indicum | 8 | A vine found in thickets and secondary forests, now widely cultivated. |
| Bignay | Antidesma bunius | 15 | Common in open country and lowland forests throughout the Philippines. |
| Lipote | Syzygium polycephaloides | 15 | Endemic to the Philippines, found in primary forests at low and medium altitudes. |
| Batuan | Garcinia binucao | 25 | Endemic to the Philippines, particularly common in the Visayas region. |
| Hoya pubicalyx | Hoya pubicalyx | 5 | An endemic vine found in the forests of Luzon. |
| Sanggumay | Dendrobium anosmum | 1.2 | An epiphytic orchid found hanging from trees in forests throughout the Philippines. |
| Giant Staghorn Fern | Platycerium grande | 1.5 | An epiphyte on large trees in lowland forests, especially in Mindanao. |
| Bagras | Eucalyptus deglupta | 75 | Endemic to Mindanao, found in lowland and lower montane rainforests. |
| Bitaog | Calophyllum inophyllum | 25 | Common along sandy seashores and coastal forests throughout the Philippines. |
| Dapdap | Erythrina variegata | 20 | A common tree in coastal areas and lowlands, often planted as an ornamental. |
| Bakawan Babae | Rhizophora mucronata | 25 | One of the most common mangrove species found in coastal mudflats and estuaries. |
| Pagatpat | Sonneratia alba | 20 | A pioneer mangrove species found on seaward fringes of mangrove forests. |
| Nipa Palm | Nypa fruticans | 10 | Abundant in brackish swamps and estuaries along coasts and rivers. |
| Buri Palm | Corypha elata | 40 | Found in open grasslands and low-lying areas, often near water. |
| Donya Aurora | Mussaenda philippica | 3 | An endemic shrub named after Aurora Quezon, now cultivated widely. |
| Malabulak | Bombax ceiba | 40 | Found in lowland forests and open country across the Philippines and tropical Asia. |
| Philippine Pitcher Plant | Nepenthes alata | 4 | A carnivorous plant endemic to the Philippines, found in montane forests and grasslands. |
| Palawan Cherry | Cassia nodosa | 15 | Native to Palawan and other parts of Southeast Asia, often planted in parks. |
| Ipil | Intsia bijuga | 40 | A large tree found in coastal forests, mangrove swamps, and lowland rainforests. |
| Amugis | Koordersiodendron pinnatum | 40 | Common in primary and secondary forests at low to medium altitudes throughout the country. |
| Dao | Dracontomelon dao | 50 | A massive, majestic tree with huge buttresses, found in lowland forests, often near rivers. |
| Toog | Petersianthus quadrialatus | 60 | A giant, emergent tree endemic to Mindanao and parts of the Visayas. |
| Talisay | Terminalia catappa | 30 | A very common tree on sandy coasts and in lowland areas throughout the Philippines. |
| White Lauan | Shorea contorta | 50 | A large, dominant dipterocarp tree endemic to the Philippines, found in lowland forests. |
| Red Lauan | Shorea negrosensis | 50 | An endemic dipterocarp tree found in lowland forests, especially in the Visayas. |
| Foxtail Orchid | Rhynchostylis retusa | 0.5 | An epiphytic orchid found in lowland forests, especially in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons. |
| Bani | Pongamia pinnata | 20 | A common tree along seashores and riverbanks, especially in brackish water. |
| Cabbage Beach Tree | Scaevola taccada | 4 | A dense, bushy shrub found on sandy and rocky beaches along the coast. |
| Mancono | Xanthostemon verdugonianus | 20 | Endemic to the “ironwood belt” of Palawan, Samar, Leyte, and parts of Mindanao. |
| Tanguile | Shorea polysperma | 50 | A large, endemic dipterocarp tree widespread in lowland to montane forests. |
| Philippine Cinnamon | Cinnamomum mercadoi | 10 | An endemic tree found in primary forests at low and medium altitudes. |
| Gubas | Endospermum peltatum | 30 | A fast-growing tree found in secondary forests and clearings at low altitudes. |
| Bayok | Pterospermum diversifolium | 20 | A medium-sized tree common in second-growth forests at low and medium altitudes. |
| Tiga | Tristaniopsis decorticata | 25 | An endemic tree often found along streams and rivers in primary forests. |
| Malapapaya | Polyscias nodosa | 20 | A fast-growing, unbranched tree found in clearings and forest edges. |
| Philippine Violet | Barleria cristata | 1 | A small shrub native to a wide range in Asia, found in thickets and grasslands. |
| Rattan | Calamus merrillii | 40 | A climbing palm found scrambling over trees in lowland and medium-altitude forests. |
| Anibong Palm | Oncosperma tigillarium | 25 | A clumping palm found in coastal areas, often near mangrove forests. |
| Pahutan | Mangifera altissima | 35 | An endemic wild mango species found in lowland primary forests. |
| Alibangbang | Bauhinia malabarica | 10 | A small tree common in open, dry areas and second-growth forests. |
| Tibig | Ficus nota | 10 | An endemic fig species commonly found along streams and in moist, low-altitude forests. |
| Is-is | Ficus ulmifolia | 8 | An endemic shrub or small tree found in thickets and forests at low to medium altitudes. |
| Moth Orchid | Phalaenopsis amabilis | 0.7 | An epiphytic orchid found in lowland forests, often near streams. |
| Kamuning | Murraya paniculata | 7 | A small tree or shrub found in thickets and forests at low and medium altitudes. |
| Cymbidium finlaysonianum | Cymbidium finlaysonianum | 0.8 | A large epiphytic orchid found in lowland forests, often near the coast. |
| Dalingdingan | Hopea plagata | 40 | A large, endemic dipterocarp tree found in lowland primary forests. |
| Mayapis | Shorea palosapis | 50 | A large, endemic dipterocarp tree common in lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. |
| Malabayabas | Tristaniopsis decorticata | 25 | An endemic tree, also called Tiga, found along rivers in primary forests. |
| Ylang-ylang Gubat | Friesodielsia lagunensis | 10 | An endemic liana or climbing shrub found in the forests of Luzon. |
| Tabigi | Xylocarpus granatum | 15 | A mangrove tree species found along muddy coastlines and tidal riverbanks. |
| Tui | Dolichandrone spathacea | 20 | A small to medium-sized tree found in mangrove swamps and along tidal streams. |
| Dungon | Heritiera littoralis | 25 | A common buttressed tree found on the landward side of mangrove forests and along coastlines. |
Images and Descriptions
Narra
The Philippine national tree, prized for its durable, reddish hardwood and fragrant yellow flowers. A large deciduous tree, its wood is a top choice for high-quality furniture, flooring, and construction, symbolizing the nation’s strength.
Molave
Known for its extremely hard and durable pale-yellow wood that resists termites and fungi. This tough, drought-tolerant tree is often used in heavy construction, posts, and railroad ties, but is now a threatened species.
Almaciga
A massive, ancient coniferous tree that is a source of valuable resin called Manila copal. This resin was historically used for varnishes, incense, and caulking boats. This majestic tree is now a vulnerable species due to logging.
Ilang-ilang
Famous for its intensely fragrant, drooping, greenish-yellow flowers. The essential oil extracted from its flowers is a key ingredient in high-end perfumes, including Chanel No. 5, making it a globally important botanical product.
Katmon
An endemic tree known for its large, showy white flowers and an edible, acidic fruit. The fruit’s fleshy pulp is used to make sauces and jams or to flavor fish. Its large, leathery leaves are also a key identifying feature.
Anahaw
Recognized as the Philippines’ national leaf, its large, fan-shaped leaves are a cultural icon. The tough, waterproof leaves are traditionally used for thatching roofs, wrapping food, and making fans and hats. It’s a very popular ornamental palm.
Pili
A tropical tree cultivated for its edible nuts, which are a major delicacy in the Bicol region. The oily, flavorful kernel is eaten raw or roasted and used in various sweets. The tree’s resin is also commercially valuable.
Waling-waling
Dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Orchids,” this stunning endemic species boasts large, flat flowers up to 12 cm across. It features vibrant pink, purple, and brown patterns and is critically endangered in the wild due to over-collection.
Jade Vine
Famous for its spectacular cascading trusses of claw-shaped, turquoise to jade-green flowers. This woody vine is a true botanical marvel, pollinated by bats. It is a prized ornamental globally but threatened by habitat loss.
Kapa-kapa
A show-stopping endemic shrub with large, leathery leaves and pendulous pink flower clusters. Also known as the Rose Grape, its dramatic bracts and flowers make it a highly sought-after ornamental plant worldwide.
Banaba
A beautiful tree known for its large, crinkly, lavender to purple flowers that bloom in summer. Its leaves are popularly used in herbal medicine, particularly as a tea for managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.
Philippine Teak
A critically endangered endemic tree prized for its high-quality, durable timber, similar to common teak. Its restricted range and over-exploitation have pushed this valuable species to the brink of extinction, making its conservation a top priority.
Yakal
A large, critically endangered hardwood tree of the dipterocarp family. Its wood is exceptionally hard, heavy, and durable, making it ideal for bridges and other heavy construction. It is a slow-growing, majestic forest giant.
Apitong
A common and large resinous tree that is a major source of general construction lumber. It is one of the main species comprising the vast dipterocarp forests of the country, playing a key role in the forest ecosystem.
Dita
A large evergreen tree with a bitter-tasting bark that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat fever and malaria. Its lightweight, white wood is suitable for making pulp, coffins, and blackboard frames.
Tindalo
A large leguminous tree yielding a beautiful, high-quality reddish hardwood. The wood is highly valued for fine furniture, cabinetry, and interior finishing. The tree is now vulnerable due to excessive logging.
Kamagong
Also known as Mabolo, this tree is famous for two things: its dark, dense, and hard ebony wood, and its edible, velvety-skinned fruit. The strong wood is used for furniture and martial arts training sticks.
Lagundi
A large, multi-branched shrub recognized by the Department of Health for its medicinal properties. Its leaves are used in a popular herbal remedy to treat coughs, colds, and asthma. It has small, purplish flowers and five-fingered leaves.
Sambong
A medicinal herb endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health. Its leaves, which have a strong camphor-like scent, are used as a diuretic and to help dissolve kidney stones. It’s a coarse, hairy plant with yellow flowers.
Tsaang Gubat
Known as “forest tea,” this medicinal shrub has leaves that are popularly brewed as a tea to treat stomach pains, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. It has small, clustered white flowers and rough, dark green leaves.
Niyog-niyogan
Also called Chinese Honeysuckle, this scrambling vine is known for its fragrant flower clusters that change color from white to pink to red. Its seeds are used in traditional medicine as an effective remedy for intestinal worms.
Bignay
A fruit-bearing tree that produces clusters of small, tart berries that ripen from green to bright red and finally to near-black. The fruits are eaten raw or used to make a popular wine, jam, and vinegar.
Lipote
An endemic fruit tree that bears compact clusters of dark purple to black berries directly on its trunk and branches. The fruit is tart and fleshy, often made into jams, jellies, and wine, similar to its relative, the bignay.
Batuan
A medium-sized tree whose sour green fruit is a key ingredient in Western Visayan cuisine. It is used as a souring agent in soups and stews like Cansi and KBL, providing a distinct, mellow sourness.
Hoya pubicalyx
A popular vining houseplant prized for its waxy, star-shaped flowers that grow in fragrant, ball-like clusters. The flowers can range from deep purples and reds to pinks, often with a contrasting center.
Sanggumay
Known as the “purple rain” orchid, this species is famous for its long, pendulous canes that become covered in highly fragrant, vibrant purple flowers. Its sweet, raspberry-like scent fills the air when it blooms.
Giant Staghorn Fern
A spectacular fern with two types of fronds: sterile, shield-like fronds that clasp the tree, and fertile, deeply lobed, antler-like fronds that hang down. It is a prized ornamental but is threatened by over-collection.
Bagras
Also known as the Rainbow Eucalyptus, this is the only eucalyptus species native to the northern hemisphere. Its most striking feature is its smooth bark that sheds to reveal a trunk painted with vertical streaks of green, blue, purple, orange, and red.
Bitaog
A handsome, spreading tree with large, leathery leaves and fragrant white flowers. It yields a valuable oil from its seeds, known as tamanu oil, used in cosmetics and traditional medicine. Its wood is also durable and water-resistant.
Dapdap
A deciduous tree that produces spectacular clusters of bright scarlet or crimson flowers on bare branches before the leaves emerge. Its lightweight wood is used for fishnet floats, and it is easily propagated from cuttings.
Bakawan Babae
A true mangrove tree easily identified by its extensive network of arching prop roots or “stilt roots.” These roots help anchor the tree in soft mud and are vital for shoreline protection and marine nursery habitats.
Pagatpat
Recognizable by its conical “breathing roots” (pneumatophores) that stick up from the mud. It produces large, white, pom-pom-like flowers that open at night and are pollinated by bats and moths.
Nipa Palm
A unique, trunkless palm whose large fronds grow directly from a subterranean stem. The leaves are a primary material for roofing (pawid), and its sap is fermented to produce a popular local vinegar (sukang paombong).
Buri Palm
One of the largest palm species in the world. It flowers only once at the end of its life, producing a massive terminal inflorescence. Its leaves are the source of raffia fiber, and its sap is used to make alcohol and vinegar.
Donya Aurora
Celebrated not for its small, yellow flowers but for its single, enlarged, leaf-like sepal that is pure white or pink. This large, showy bract makes the plant incredibly ornamental. Different cultivars are named after other Filipino First Ladies.
Malabulak
A large, deciduous tree with a spiny trunk, especially when young. In the dry season, it bursts into a stunning display of large, waxy, crimson-red flowers on bare branches, attracting numerous birds.
Philippine Pitcher Plant
This vining plant is famous for its modified leaves that form pitcher-like traps to capture and digest insects. It is one of the most widespread and variable pitcher plant species in the country, with many distinct local forms.
Palawan Cherry
Known locally as Balayong, this tree produces beautiful showers of pink and white flowers, resembling Japan’s cherry blossoms. The annual Balayong Festival in Puerto Princesa celebrates its spectacular blooming season.
Ipil
A valuable hardwood species with yellowish-brown to dark reddish-brown timber that is highly durable and resistant to termites. It is a preferred wood for high-end flooring and furniture but is now a vulnerable species.
Amugis
A large tree with a dense, spreading crown, yielding a hard and heavy reddish-brown wood. The timber is used for general construction, furniture, and flooring. Its fruit is edible but astringent.
Dao
It produces an edible, round, green fruit with a tart flavor, used for making preserves. Its beautifully grained wood is highly prized for furniture, veneer, and plywood, but the tree is now threatened by logging.
Toog
Known as the Philippine Rosewood, it is one of the tallest native trees, recognized by its massive, straight trunk and buttresses. Its hard, reddish wood is used for heavy construction, but it is becoming increasingly rare.
Talisay
Instantly recognizable by its pagoda-like tiered branching. Its large leaves turn bright red, yellow, or purple before falling. The small, almond-like kernel within its woody fruit is edible and tastes like an almond.
White Lauan
A primary source of the world-famous “Philippine Mahogany” timber group. Its versatile, light-colored wood is used extensively for furniture, plywood, and general construction. It is a cornerstone species of Philippine forests.
Red Lauan
Another key species in the “Philippine Mahogany” group, its wood is valued for its reddish-brown color and is widely used for furniture, cabinetry, and boat building. It is critically endangered due to overharvesting.
Foxtail Orchid
Named for its long, dense, and drooping cylindrical cluster of flowers that resembles a fox’s tail. The small, waxy flowers are typically white with pink or purple spots, creating a stunning visual display.
Bani
A fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree often used in reforestation. Its seeds are a source of inedible oil (pongamia oil) that has great potential as a biofuel. The tree is also valued for its shade and ornamental flowers.
Cabbage Beach Tree
Identified by its unusual white flowers that look like they have been torn in half, with all five petals on one side. It is an important coastal plant for stabilizing sand dunes and preventing erosion.
Mancono
Known as Philippine Ironwood, this tree produces one of the hardest and densest woods in the world, so heavy it sinks in water. The reddish wood is incredibly durable and difficult to work with, used for posts and wharf piling.
Tanguile
A major commercial timber species and another primary source of “Philippine Mahogany.” Its reddish wood is highly versatile and used for everything from furniture and flooring to general construction, making it economically vital.
Philippine Cinnamon
Locally known as Kalingag, this tree is the Philippines’ native source of cinnamon. Its aromatic bark is used as a spice and in traditional medicine. It is considered a threatened species due to bark harvesting and habitat loss.
Gubas
Its lightweight, soft, and pale-colored wood is not durable but is ideal for specific uses like making matchsticks, pencils, wooden shoes (bakya), and pulp for paper. It is a common pioneer species in reforestation areas.
Bayok
Recognized by its large, shield-shaped leaves that are green on top and fuzzy brown or gray underneath. It produces fragrant, nocturnal white flowers with long, narrow petals that unfurl at night.
Tiga
A visually stunning tree known for its incredibly smooth, mottled bark that peels off in scrolls, revealing a new layer of vibrant orange or salmon-colored bark. It is a popular choice for ornamental and landscape planting.
Malapapaya
Resembling a papaya tree in its growth form, it has a cluster of large, compound leaves at the top of a slender trunk. It is a pioneer species often used in the early stages of reforestation projects.
Philippine Violet
Despite its name, it is not a true violet but a hardy shrub that produces funnel-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. It is often cultivated as a low hedge or ornamental plant in gardens.
Rattan
This is a major source of commercial rattan cane, used globally to manufacture wicker furniture, baskets, and handicrafts. Its long, flexible stems are harvested from the wild, making sustainable management crucial.
Anibong Palm
Also known as the Nibung Palm, it grows in dense clusters of slender, spiny black trunks. The hard outer layer of the trunk is split and used for durable flooring, slats, and agricultural posts.
Pahutan
This large forest tree produces smaller, more fibrous fruit than the cultivated carabao mango. The fruit has a strong, resinous flavor and is often eaten green or pickled. It is an important genetic resource for mango breeding.
Alibangbang
Easily identified by its unique, bi-lobed leaves that resemble a butterfly’s wings. The young leaves, flowers, and seed pods are edible and have a distinct sour taste, often used as a souring agent in dishes like sinigang.
Tibig
Known as the “water-loving fig,” its presence is often an indicator of a nearby water source. Its figs grow in dense clusters on the trunk and branches and are edible, though often bland and full of seeds.
Is-is
The plant’s name means “to scrub,” referring to its traditional use. The extremely rough, sandpapery texture of its leaves makes them excellent for cleaning pots and pans, and for sanding wood surfaces.
Moth Orchid
One of the most elegant native orchids, it has long, arching sprays of large, white, moth-like flowers. A specific subspecies is native to the Philippines and is a popular ornamental and a parent of many modern hybrids.
Kamuning
Also called Orange Jasmine, it is beloved for its clusters of intensely fragrant, jasmine-like white flowers that bloom periodically throughout the year. It also produces small, red, berry-like fruits.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum
This robust orchid has long, thick, leathery leaves and is known for its impressive, long, drooping flower spikes. The waxy, long-lasting flowers are typically olive green or yellow with a contrasting reddish-purple lip.
Dalingdingan
This tree produces a hard, heavy, and very durable yellowish-brown wood that is highly resistant to decay and termites. It is an excellent timber for posts, bridges, and other construction that requires great strength.
Mayapis
A key commercial timber species often sold as “light red Philippine mahogany.” Its wood is softer and lighter than Red Lauan or Tanguile, making it suitable for furniture, cabinetry, and interior finishing.
Malabayabas
A striking ornamental tree famous for its smooth, peeling bark that reveals a bright orange to reddish new layer. It is often called the “Filipino cherry blossom” for its beautiful form and bark, not its flowers.
Ylang-ylang Gubat
A wild relative of the commercial Ilang-ilang, this woody vine produces highly fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Though not as widely known, its scent is also potent and contributes to the aroma of the forest understory.
Tabigi
Identified by its large, cannonball-like woody fruit that can be up to 25 cm in diameter. The tree has a smooth, peeling, yellowish-brown bark and prominent buttress roots, adapting it well to the unstable mangrove environment.
Tui
This tree is notable for its very long, trumpet-shaped white flowers that open at night and are pollinated by moths. It produces long, slender, bean-like seed pods that can hang from the tree for months.
Dungon
Its wood is extremely hard, tough, and durable, making it highly valued for boat building, posts, and heavy construction. The fruit is a distinctive hard, boat-shaped woody keel, allowing it to float and disperse by water.
