Bauhinia » Balinghasai Farms

The aftermath of Nari (Santi)

Nov 012013

21 days after typhoon Nari (Santi) struck Central Luzon, fallen century old Mango and Saman trees still litter the roadsides of rural San Miguel, Bulacan. Rice still lay flattened on the fields, some businesses still closed, some properties still unrepaired; there’s evidence everywhere of the devastating deluge that passed. We were one of those early placed under a state of calamity when unbelievable amount of floodwater surged and sank the town proper and nearby low-lying barangays which reached a record high of 2 meters in some areas of the town. The event, I believe, was a first for us.

The farm has taken it’s share of destruction as well : the once pompous Alibangbang (Bauhinia malabarica) and Ligas (Semecarpus cuneiformis) trees had fallen from grace due to intense wind, Binayuyu (Antidesma ghaesembilla) trees were left standing leafless, felled branches and roofing are strewn about, an hectare of our vegetable crops (Long beans and Bottlegourd) ironed out flat and the helper’s quarter plus the adjacent newly renovated visitor’s area were completely brought down. The sight was a big headache!

Rebuilding and replanting in complete surrender to the forces that shape the world and us, we felt cleansed and lucky to be alive and gifted with another work, another plan, another hope.

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The anticipated leaves

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Oct 212013

In our part of the world, August until November is that much-awaited time to collect the edible newly sprouting leaves of the native Alibangbang trees (Bauhinia malabarica). Bulakenyos, especially us who are from the town of old San Miguel, are particularly fond of using this butterfly-looking leaves as a flavoring, notably, for cooking beef shanks (Sinigang na pata ng Baka sa Alibangbang) and chicken (Inalibangbangang Manok). Our friends from Manila have been regularly requesting for Alibangbang leaves and even seedlings after knowing that we have a few wild trees growing in the farm. Our Alibangbang trees are not really remarkable to look at but they are always an attraction to visitors who often have a childhood memory of this tree. Sometimes, we also wrap some fresh leaves to give as gifts when visiting friends or relatives.

This species must not be confused with other tree Bauhinias that exhibit the same leaf shape but has large, often brightly colored, orchid-like flowers. (211)

Native wild edible : Bauhinia malabarica

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Aug 032012

In my occasional field explorations in the cogon-dominated, cattle-grazed grasslands peripheralizing Balinghasai farms I can say that this is the most abundant native tree species in this part of the Philippines but is also the most exploited for use as fuelwood. Bauhinia malabarica stumps left by wood poachers readily coppice and wildlings emerged to the onset of rain thus the availability of this wood especially for charcoal producers seemed limitless but sometimes the rate of human collection far exceeds the natural capability of the species to reproduce, and this becomes the problem that leads to species decline. Bauhinia malabarica, for now, may be categorized as a common tree but for how long?

Locally called “Alibangbang”, a common reference which it shares also with a number of exotic Bauhinia species which are grown as avenue trees for their colorful and ornate, orchid-like flowers; this mainly due to the very close resemblance of their leaves. This also got a lot of people mistaken in thinking that these large-flowered ornamental Bauhinias are the real Bauhinia malabarica.

True Bauhinia malabarica is an esteemed tree by plant hobbyists and farm owners due to its edible tart leaves. Chopped leaves, particularly the shoots and tips, are used to flavor all sorts of “Sinigang”. At home, we prefer using this over any other sour-imparting ingredients for our “Sinigang na pata ng baka”. Even the regular “Munggong-guisado” and Sauteed sardines (canned) become a little more interesting to the palette when cooked with this vegetable leaf.

Specimen : Wild trees

Habitats : Creek banks, dry grasslands, open slopes, roadsides

Local name : Alibangbang

Trade name : Malabar orchid

Botanical name : Bauhinia malabarica

Family : Fabaceae - Caesalpinioideae

Specimen height : 6-10 meters

Trunk : Bole erect, branching starts at 3-4 meters; Bark flaking, grey or brown

Leaf : Cordate, with notches on both apex and base (apple-shaped); Yellowish green

Flower : Clusters of minute, greenish-white, pendulous tubular florets supported by reddish or maroon peduncles

Fruit : Pod; 10-15 cms in length, green to reddish-brown; Seeds numerous, small, hard, brown

Traits : Drought tolerant; Evergreen; Grassfire tolerant; Nitrogen-fixing;
Small tree; Tolerant of infertile soil; Water-logging tolerant; Wind hardy

Recommendations : Agroforestry; Backyards; Edible gardening; Erosion control; Fallow improvement; Farms; Home gardens; Honey tree; Living fence; Nurse tree; Ornamental tree; Pioneer species for reforestation purpose; Plantations; Public spaces; Riparian management; Roadside tree; Shade tree; Urban greening; Wildcrafting; Windbreak

Used for : New leaves and shoots are used to flavour soupy fish and meat dishes; Animal fodder; Firewood and charcoal

Native range : South Asia, Southeast Asia (including the Philippines) to Australia

National conservation status : Not threatened in the Philippines

Threats : Cutting of wild trees for fuelwood and charcoal production; Clearing of woodlands for agricultural, residential or commercial use