Tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima), popularly known as “Tambo” in the Philippines, belongs to the family Graminae. It grows as high as 2.5 meters and can thrive at low to medium elevations but can grow faster in higher elevation. Normally, it grows in open areas particularly in logged-over areas, mountain slopes and ravines. Its leaves are [...]
Floating gardens is a clever solution for people who live in areas covered by water during the monsoon season where it is impossible to grow crops. Practical Action has developed a technology to allow farmers to grow food on flooded land. To make a floating garden, it employs the use of water hyacinth, which is [...]
Salak (Salacca zalacca), also known as snake fruit due to the reddish-brown scaly skin, is a species of palm tree (family Arecaceae) native to Indonesia. It is a very short-stemmed palm, with leaves up to 6 meters (20 ft) long; each leaf has a 2-meter long petiole with spines up to 15 centimeters (5.9 in) [...]
The Pitaya or commonly known as Dragon fruits belongs to the Family Cactaceae under the genus Hylocereus and Selenicereus. It is a native plant from Mexico, Central and South America. It is an extremely beautiful fruit that has dazzling flowers and an intense shape and color. The dragon fruit is usually a dark red color, [...]
Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) or popularly known as Kaong in the Philippines, is an economically important feather palm native to tropical Asia. It is a medium-sized palm, reaches a height of 12 to 15 m and a diameter of 40 cm upon reaching the maturity age (more than 15 years). It has long ascending pinnate [...]
Pandanus amaryllifolius is a tropical plant in the screwpine genus which is known commonly as pandan. It grows up to 3-6 feet. Older plants develop thick aerial roots from the main stem. The leaves are slender about 12-14 inches long, smooth, pleated, sword-like and free from thorns. The leaves grow in a spiral around the [...]
Rattan is a climbing palms of the genera Calamus, Daemonorops, and Korthalsia of tropical Asia, belonging to the family Palmae. It is a very important non-timber forest product, owing to its versatility. Rattans are extensively used for making furniture and baskets. When cut into sections, rattan can be used as wood to make furniture. Rattan [...]
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a temperate annual or biennial plant of the daisy family Asteraceae. It is most often grown as a leaf vegetable. Lettuce was popularly known as lechugas and is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. In the Philippines lettuce is considered as one of the most important salad crops. Aside from [...]
The famous garden strawberry is a common plant of the genus Fragaria cultivated worldwide for its aggregate accessory fruit, the (common) strawberry. The fruit is widely appreciated, mainly for its characteristic aroma but also for its bright red color, and it is consumed in large quantities, either fresh or in prepared foods such as preserves, [...]
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), popularly known as “Kamatis” in the Philippines, is a savory, typically red, edible fruit, as well as the plant which bears it. The tomato fruit is consumed in diverse ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes and sauces, and in drinks. While it is botanically a fruit, it is considered [...]