While the month of May has come to a close, the stories behind our blossoms are evergreen. We invite you to discover (or rediscover!) eight remarkable flora species that graced our gardens this season. From native Philippine treasures to exotic global beauties, these plants remind us of the rich botanical tapestry preserved right here at Mount Makiling Forest Reserve ASEAN Heritage Park.
Meet the Blossoms of “Flores de Mayo”
Whether you are a seasoned botanist or a weekend nature lover, these unique plants from our collection each have a fascinating story to tell:
- Rose of Venezuela (Brownea grandiceps Jacq.): Hailing all the way from South America, this stunning tree from the legume family (Fabaceae) has found a welcoming home in our tropical paradise, painting the canopy with dramatic, fiery red clusters.
- Teysmann’s Medinilla (Medinilla teysmannii Miq.): A showstopper in the understory, this plant is instantly recognizable by its distinctive, bright pink inflorescence axes (flower stalks) and delicate white-to-pink blossoms.
- Doña Luz (Mussaenda philippica A. Rich var. Doña Luz): A true local celebrity! Native to the Philippines, this plant is famous for its showy, petal-like sepals. While visitors often mistake them for actual flower petals, they are actually modified leaves designed to catch your eye.
- Saraca Tree (Saraca declinata (Jack) Miq.): Carrying a deep sense of peace, this tree is considered sacred throughout India. It is traditionally planted close to temples and was historically a favored fixture in ancient royal gardens.
- Golden Candle (Pachystachys lutea Nees): Also known as the “Lollipop plant,” this evergreen shrub is native to Peru. It stands out beautifully with its upright spikes made of overlapping, bright yellow bracts.
- Gumamela (Hibiscus x rosa-sinensis Linn.): These vigorous growers are famous worldwide for their striking, trumpet-shaped flowers. While native to Southeast Asia and deeply rooted in local culture, it also holds the proud distinction of being the national flower of our neighbor, Malaysia.
- Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum): A striking perennial that brings an undeniable tropical flair to the MBG trails, celebrated for its vivid, torch-like spikes that look like bursts of flames amid the green.
- White Santan (Ixora finlaysoniana Wall ex. G.Don): Affectionately known as “Santan puti,” this popular tropical evergreen shrub is loved for its dense, star-shaped clusters of pure white blossoms.
The Story Continues at MBG
Even though May has passed, the living collection at the Makiling Botanic Gardens continues to thrive, shift, and bloom all year round. We invite you, your family, and your friends to visit us. Walk the trails, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and listen closely—because at MBG, every flower still has a story of beauty and tradition to tell.
Plan your visit today and see what’s blooming next week!
Follow the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) on social media for more updates on our conservation efforts and seasonal garden highlights.
Poster Content & Layout Credit: This feature is based on the “Flores de Mayo” educational material produced by the MCME 2026 Interns from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University: John Emmanuel Soriano, Nel Jan Rafael Tabing, Maria Juliana Delmendo, Jaira Galera, and Hyacinth Angel Acosta.