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 f
the more than 8,000 species of flowering plants recorded
for the Philippines, about 200 are indigenous or
introduced fruit trees and shrubs that were domesticated
and have gained popularity among Filipinos. Of this
number, five are categorized as major fruits, since they
contribute substantially to the country’s domestic and
foreign markets. Among them are mango, banana, and
pineapple. Considered minor or promising fruits are the
40 to 50 which have potential for development for local
and foreign markets. Many of these are still abundant
and widely distributed throughout the country. The
less-known fruit trees, on the other hand, are of
limited occurrence, and many are now rarely found even
in their original habitats.
The following are some of the famous or promising
indigenous Philippine fruits, which may not be too
familiar to the urban or young Filipino. Atibulnak
(Rubus
pectinellus Max.), Durian (Durio
zibethinus L.), Huani
(Mangifera odorata Griff.),
Kalapi (Calamus ornatus var. philippinensis Becc.),
Alupag-amo (Litchi chinensis Son.. subsp. Philippinensis
(Radlk.) Leenh.), Lipote
(Syzygium curranti (C.B. Rob.) Merr.), Mabolo
(Diospyros philippinensis Rolfe), Paho
(Mangifera
altissima Blco.), Pili
(Canarium ovatum Engl.), Rambutan
(Nephelim lappaceum L.), Bating (Castanopsis
philippensis (blco.) Vid.), Bignay
(Antidesma bunius
(L.) K. Spreng.), Dukban (Citrus sp.),
Marang
(Artocarpus
odoratissimus Blco.)
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