This month, the Makiling Botanic Gardens features a remarkable climbing plant known for one of nature’s most elegant seed dispersal mechanisms: kabatete (Alsomitra macrocarpa (Blume) Roem.), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family that produces winged seeds capable of gliding through the forest canopy. Where It Grows Kabatete is native to…
With its rich chestnut-brown head, breast, and underparts contrasting beautifully against bright blue wings and back, the Brown-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon gularis) is a medium-sized bird that stands out in the Philippine landscape. Its large red bill adds a striking accent to this colorful combination. A Versatile Hunter The Brown-breasted Kingfisher…
This month, the Makiling Botanic Gardens features a versatile climbing vine that has served communities across the tropics in multiple ways: pukingan (Centrosema molle Mart. Ex Benth.), a member of the Fabaceae family native to the United States of America that has spread across tropical regions worldwide. Growth Habit and…
With a wingspan of 120-140 mm, the Scarlet Mormon (Papilio rumanzovia) is a large, striking butterfly that commands attention wherever it appears. This species is known for its strong, deliberate flight as it moves through forests and gardens across the Philippines. A Tale of Two Sexes The Scarlet Mormon displays…
In coordination with the Language Instruction Excellence (LITE) Program of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) warmly welcomed the faculty and students of Kobe University on 27 February 2026. Through the LITE Program, international undergraduate and graduate…
On 25 February 2026, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) hosted the training for Educators for Nature Tourism (ENTs) held at the Toyota Environment and Education Theater (TEET), Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG). The training was participated in by a total of 19 students stemming from the College of Forestry…