The Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) has chosen Bayumbong (Alpinia romblonensis Elmer) as the Plant of the Month for March 2025! This plant belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and is endemic to the Philippines, specifically named after Romblon Island, where it was first discovered. The genus Alpinia was named in honor of Prospero Alpino, a 16th-century doctor and botanist.
Bayumbong is a clump-forming herb that thrives in lowland tropical forests. It has pseudostems (stems made from overlapping leaf sheaths) and produces drooping, white to yellowish flowers. Its fruits are round, starting green and turning yellow when ripe.
Bayumbong isn’t just a beautiful plant, it has also been used in traditional medicine for generations. The unripe fruits are eaten to fight intestinal worms while the ripe fruits when eaten relieves loose bowel movements. Additionally, rhizome decoction are used for nervousness, stomach aches, coughs, and pasma. Meanwhile, the pounded shoots of Bayumbong are applied to the forehead to ease headaches.
This remarkable plant is a testament to the rich biodiversity and medicinal heritage of the Philippines!
For more information, you may view this video link: https://youtu.be/ehQQnZIVB2c
By: AALimpiada and ACMalayba