Balete tree
Tagkawayan
in southern Luzon, PhilippinesThe balete tree (also known as balite or baliti) are several species of trees in the
boles.[1]
- F. arayatensis Warb.[2]
- F. balete Merr.[2]
- F. benjamina Linn.[3][4]
- F. benjamina Linn. var. nuda Miq.[5][6]
- F. clusioides Miq.[3]
- F. concinna Miq.[7][8]
- F. elastica Roxb.[1][9]
- F. forstenii Miq.[2][10]
- F. parvifolia Miq.[3]
- F. payapa Blanco[12]
- F. philipinenses Miq.[13]
- F. retusa Linn.[14][15]
- F. stipulosa Miq. Linn.[16]
- F. variegata Blume[1]
Ornamental use
Baletes are planted as graceful trees along avenues in Manila and other large cities in the Philippines, and they are also excellent as shade trees.[4] Several species of the tree are also use for bonsai making in the country.[17][18]
Baletes are used as houseplants;[19] however, it is a source of indoor household allergens which may cause respiratory allergy.[9]
Local folklore
Quezon city, Philippines
In some areas of the country, some people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings (anito) like diwata, kapre or tikbalang. In some places, sorcery rituals are known performed inside the chambers formed by the tree.[20] Also among others, some superstitious folks suggest not bringing in balete as decorative plants inside a house as they allegedly invite ghosts.[9]
white lady appears at night hailing cars that drive by has been circulated since the 1950s.[21]
Extreme examples
- The balete tree inside the OISCA Farm in Lumapao, botanists from Silliman University to be around 1,328 years old. It would take at least 42 men to encircle its trunk. At the heart of this wide tree trunk is a cavity where lizards, bats and many insects have made it their home. With fireflies lighting it at night like a year-round Christmas tree, it is one of the city's main tourist attractions.[22]
- A balete tree locally called "Millennium Tree" in Aurora province is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is estimated to be about more than 600 years old and 60 metres (200 ft) tall with its roots about 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter. It is possible for adult people to squeeze into the center of its root network.[23]
- A 400-year-old balete tree in Barangay Campalanas in the spring that emanates from its base and flows straight into a man-made pool.[24]
Gallery
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![The “Millennium Tree” at Balete Park in Brgy. Quirino in Maria Aurora, Aurora province, Philippines.[25]](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Millennium_tree_of_Balete_Park%2C_Maria_Aurora%2C_Philippinesjf.jpg/240px-Millennium_tree_of_Balete_Park%2C_Maria_Aurora%2C_Philippinesjf.jpg)
The “Millennium Tree” at Balete Park in Brgy. Quirino in Maria Aurora, Aurora province, Philippines.[25] -
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![The “Millennium Tree” at Balete Park in Brgy. Quirino in Maria Aurora, Aurora province, Philippines.[25]](/File:Millennium_tree_of_Balete_Park,_Maria_Aurora,_Philippinesjf.jpg)
See also
- Bodhi tree, 2500 years ago Nuddha attained enlightenment under the street
- Kodama, spirits in Japanese folklore
- Largest banyan trees, Balete trees
- Peepal tree, Ficus religiosa
- Sacred tree
- Tree spirit
- Yorishiro, spirits-attracting object
References
- ^ a b c Whitford, H.N., Bureau of Forestry. "The Forests of the Philippines, Part 2", p.30. Manila Bureau of Printing, 1911.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ a b c Merritt, Melvin L., Bureau of Forestry. "The Forests of Mindoro", p.42. Manila Bureau of Printing, 1908.
- ^ a b c d Bureau of Insular Affairs. "Compilation of laws and regulations relating to public lands in the Philippine Islands". p.181. Washington Government Printing Office, 1908.
- ^ a b "Ficus benjamina Linn." Archived August 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ (2011-02-08). "Balete (Ficus benjamina var. nuda)" Archived February 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. The Indi Journal. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ "Ficus benjamina (Linn.) var. nuda (Miq.)" Archived March 9, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. University of Hawaii at Manoa. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ Bonsai King (December 14, 2009). "Balete-Ficus concina". Bonsai Kingdom. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.
- ^ "Ficus concinna (Miquel)". Flora of China. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ a b c Stuart, Godofredo. "Balete". Philippine Medicinal Plants. Retrieved on April 25, 2011.
- ^ Botany Department (2003-02). "Ficus forstenii"[permanent dead link]. University of Hawaii at Manoa. Retrieved on April 24, 2011.
- ^ "Baleting-baging". Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ "Ficus Payapa". Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry.Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ Bonsai King (February 19, 2010). "Balete-Ficus philipinenses. Bonsai Kingdom. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.
- ^ "Marabutan". Philippine Medicinal Plants. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ "Marabutan". Bureau of Plant Industry. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ "Balete – Scientific name: Ficus stipulosa Miq. Linn." Archived February 11, 2020, at the Wayback Machine. Filipino Herbs Healing Wonders. Retrieved on April 25, 2011.
- ^ Bonsai King (February 4, 2010). "Bonsai Database". Bonsai Kingdom. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.
- ^ "Bonsai in the Philippines" Archived September 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Bonsai in Asia Guidebook. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ "Ficus Plants—How to Grow Healthy Ficus Trees". Archived from the original on August 29, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2012.
- ^ Brillantes, RC (February 5, 2009). "The Mysterious Balete Tree". the green cloud. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.
- ^ "Myths Surrounding Balete Drive". Philippine Insider. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ Austria, Kelly (December 7, 2010). "The Big Tree of Canlaon City". Follow My Trail. Retrieved on 2011-04-25.
- ^ Gorospe, Marjorie (April 18, 2011). "Centuries-old balete tree attracts tourists in Aurora town". Yahoo News Philippines. Retrieved on 2011-04-25.
- ^ Administrator. "The Old Enchanted Tree in Siquijor". Siquijor Tour. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
- ^ "Sightseeing - Nature Areas and Beaches". Discover Aurora. Retrieved on 2011-12-29.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Balete tree.
- "The Forests of the Philippines" by the Philippine Bureau of Forestry from Google Books.