FLOWER COLLECTIONS

Flowers are ubiquitous in nature providing food for insects, birds, animals, and humans; they also act as natural medicines for humans and some animals, and they aid in a plant's reproduction by attracting pollinators.  Flowers have played a significant role in our lives for many centuries. Flowers are considered to be a symbol of love, beauty, and a natural gift. We use flowers to elicit feelings of love and happiness because they have the ability to uplift and cheer people. Flowers have played a significant role in our lives for many centuries.The BSED Science Virtual Museum of Natural History's Flower collections have curated a collection of flower specimens from the Philippines to showcase their environmental, cultural, and medical importance.

FLOWERS FIRST APPEARED ABOUT 130 MILLION YEARS AGO DURING THE CRETACEOUS PERIOD.

Earth wasn’t beautifully adorned with flowers during its primal years. There were only ferns and cone-bearing trees. But once flowers took root on the planet, they swiftly diversified into an explosion of colourful and intriguing varieties.

Convention on Biological Diversity. 

GROUP 1 PalaONE

Division: Anthophyta

Hydrangea arborescens (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: CornalesFamily: HydrangeaceaeGenus: HydrangeaSpecies: Hydrangea arborescensCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0029
The Hydrangea arborescens has tiny white fertile flowers that bloom in May-July in flattened hairy clusters (corymbs to 2-6” across).  The native Smooth Hydrangea is white, 6 to 8 inches, flattened corymb in summer; opens white then turns green and brown. The named cultivars have typical ball-shaped hydrangea flowers 8 to 12 inches across. Newer cultivars can be found with pink flowers. Smooth hydrangea is usually found in the mesic forest, often along streams or in rocky areas, but also grows in drier areas. It is usually in at least partial shade. Hydrangea is used for urinary tract problems such as infections of the bladder, urethra, and prostate; enlarged prostate; and kidney stones. It is also used for hay fever. 

Division: Spermatophyta

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: MalvalesFamily: MalvaceaeGenus: HibiscusSpecies: Hibiscus rosa-sinensisCurator: Jeric C. Advincula, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0001
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a species of tropical hibiscus, a flowering plant in the Hibisceae tribe of the family Malvaceae. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions but is not known in the wild so that its native distribution is uncertain. All parts of hibiscus plants are used traditionally. Due to their soothing (demulcent) and astringent properties, the flowers and leaves have been traditionally used to treat conditions such as cancer and gallbladder attacks, to lower blood pressure, to relieve dry coughs, and topically to treat skin afflictions.

Asystasia gangetica (T. Anderson)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: ScrophularialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: AsystasiaSpecies: Asystasia gangeticaCurator: Jeric C. Advincula, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0002
Asystasia gangetica is a perennial herbaceous plant with opposite entire leaves. The lamina is oval, 5 to 10 cm long, and 3 to 6 cm wide. The flowers are in spikes at the top of the plant. The corolla is white but can also have yellowish shades and sometimes red The species A. gangetica is native to tropical Malaysia, India, and Africa, but has been introduced into tropical areas in North, Central and South America, Hawaii, West Indies, and Australia as an ornamental herb and eventually escapes into natural and disturbed areas.  In Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania) the leaves are eaten as a vegetable. The leaves are used in Nigeria for the treatment of asthma (Akah et al., 2003). 

Bougainvillea spectabilis (Willd.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: CaryophyllalesFamily: NyctaginaceaeGenus: BougainvilleaSpecies: Bougainvillea spectabilisCurator: Jeric C. Advincula, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0003
Bougainvillea spectabilis is an aggressive climbing vine or shrub growing >10 m high. Native to Brazil, this species has been extensively introduced into tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions of the world. It climbs over trees or shrubs suffocating them and out-competing native plant species in the understorey (Smith, 1991; McMullen, 1999; Fern, 2014; Oviedo Prieto and Gonzalez-Oliva, 2015; Randall, 2017; GRIIS, 2018; PIER, 2018). 

Combretum indicum (DeFilipps)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: MyrtalesFamily: CombretaceaeGenus: CombretumSpecies: Combretum indicumCurator: Jeric C. Advincula, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0004
Combretum indicum is a tropical Asian and potentially tropical African vine with red flower clusters. C. indicum is often grown in gardens and houses, and it has been reported to naturalize in populated regions. In Panama, the species is used as a tea to treat a variety of ailments. (Panama Checklist, 2015). 

Pachystachys coccinea (Nees)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: LamialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: PachystachysSpecies: Pachystachys coccineaCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0006
Pachystachys coccinea red flowers on flashy terminal spikes with long linear calyx segments. It is native to South America, from French Guiana to Brazil and Peru. It is naturalized in India, Singapore, the Philippines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Pachystachys coccinea spreads by seeds. In cultivation, it is propagated by cuttings, which root easily. 

Cassia fistula (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: FabalesFamily: FabaceaeGenus: CassiaSpecies: Cassia fistulaCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0007
Cassia fistula flowers are showy, bright yellow in color, pentamerous, and slightly zygomorphic in shape, 3.5 cm in diameter. It is generally regarded as originating in India and Sri Lanka and introduced and naturalized in other parts of South or Southeast Asia. It possesses significant antimicrobial activities and properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, and Bacillus cereus. The species is reported to tolerate mild drought, slopes, and soil types ranging from acidic to alkaline.

Lablab purpureus (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: FabalesFamily: FabaceaeGenus: LablabSpecies: Lablab purpureusCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0008
Lablab purpureus flowers are white to blue or purple in color, about 1.5 cm long, typically papilionaceous in shape. Indigenous to Southeast Asia and has been introduced to Africa and other tropical and subtropical countries. L. purpureus is a short-day plant. It requires a high temperature (18-30oC) to grow well. 

Pereskia bleo (Kunth)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CaryophyllalesFamily: CactaceaeGenus: PereskiaSpecies: Pereskia bleoCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0010
Pereskia bleo flowers are orange-red, commonly showy, and rose-like in appearance, with numerous stamens and the floral cup. It is native to the West Indies and South-Eastern South America (Panama and Colombia). Traditionally used to treat cancer hemorrhoids, hypertension, and diabetes. The plant has thin stems and non-succulent leaves. The roots are often fleshy and tuberous. Contains spines that emerge in clusters areoles along the stems. 

Solanum melongena (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: SolanalesFamily: SolanaceaeGenus: SolanumSpecies: Solanum melongenaCurator: Angelica V. Hipolito, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0020
Solanum melongena flowers are usually solitary and are supported by a 1-3 cm long pedicel. Smaller, functionally male flowers appear on the same inflorescence. The hermaphrodite flowers are 3-4 cm in diameter and are mostly violet and very rarely white. The anthers are supported by short, thick filaments and have openings at their tips. The ovary is positioned above the sepals, petals, and stamens. Native to: China South-Central, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam. Eggplant is also widely used for medicinal purposes. Various plant parts are used in decoction, as powder or ash for curing ailments such as diabetes, cholera, bronchitis, dysuria, dysentery, otitis, toothache, skin infections, asthenia, and haemorrhoids. Eggplant is also ascribed narcotic, anti-asthmatic, and anti-rheumatic properties.

Ipomoea carnea (Jacq.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: SolanalesFamily: ConvolvulaceaeGenus: IpomoeaSpecies: Ipomoea carneaCurator: Angelica V. Hipolito, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0021
Ipomoea carnea has flowers in cymes, trumpet-shaped, a smooth blend of white with pale pink to purple, with a darker purplish corolla throat, 5 to 9 cm long, up to 11 cm in diameter, clustering at end of branches. I. carnea is able to grow in a wide range of habitat types, from aquatic to xerophytic conditions. It is able to grow in a wide range of habitat types, from aquatic to xerophytic conditions. It has been introduced in the Caribbean, USA, tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia, and in many islands in the Pacific Ocean. Different extracts of I. carnea plant possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-convulsant, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, sedative, and wound healing activities. However, some toxicological effects have been also reported. 

Celosia argentea (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CaryophyllalesFamily: AmaranthaceaeGenus: CelosiaSpecies: Celosia argenteaCurator: Angelica V. Hipolito, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0022
Celosia argentea flowers are assembled in dense terminal spikes on the main axis of the plant and on the secondary branches. These flower spikes are ellipsoidal. They are white to pink silvery-white and sometimes bright pink at the tip of the spike. It is a  plant of roadsides, particularly where disturbance has been recent, and on building sites, earthworks, quarries, river-beds; also a weed in annual crops and sometimes in heavily-grazed pasture; "often occurring as a weed in dry open places such as roadsides and wastelands, as well as stream beds. Celosia argentea is a widespread weed throughout tropical Africa, from Senegal east to Somalia and south to northern South Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, and a traditional vegetable in West and Central Africa. The flowers and seeds are astringent, haemostatic, ophthalmic, parasiticide and poultice. They are used in the treatment of bloody stool, haemorrhoid bleeding, uterine bleeding, leucorrhoea, dysentery, and diarrhea.

Callistephus chinensis (Nees)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: AsteralesFamily: AsteraceaeGenus: CallistephusSpecies: Callistephus chinensisCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0027

Callistephus chinensis inflorescence is a head (capitulum), with many ray flowers surrounding the central disc flowers. China aster is a very popular ornamental flower, so there are many cultivars available in a wide array of colors. The plants do well in full sun or part shade, in moist and well-drained soils rich in organic matters. Mulching is also good for plants to grow. Keep good circulation of air around the plant. C. chinensis has a different color of flower such as Blue, Botryophora, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow / Golden.

Heliconia psittacorum (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: ZingiberalesFamily: HeliconiaceaeGenus: HeliconiaSpecies: Heliconia psittacorumCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0028
Heliconia psittacorum is native to the Caribbean and South America in the Amazon rain forest, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Panama, Trinidad, and Tobago, among others. It is a herbaceous plant typically growing about 1-1.5 m tall. Its showy inflorescence is erect, comprised of long bracts and orange tubular flowers. The bracts are red to pink-colored, fading to orange towards the base. 

Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: FabalesFamily: FabaceaeGenus: LeucaenaSpecies: Leucaena leucocephalaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0030

Leucaena leucocephala is especially abundant in the humid coastal lowlands and in other humid areas. L. Leucocephala is common in many provinces of Kenya; Western, Rift Valley, Coast and Central. In Tanzania, it was introduced on experimental basis in Morogoro where it proved a success as an agroforestry tree. L. leucocephala is a shrub or small tree usually growing 2-10 m tall, but occasionally reaching 15 m or more in height. The flowers are borne in dense globular clusters, which look like a ‘pompom’ when the flowers open. These clusters are borne in the leaf forks (axils) on stalks (peduncles), with one to three clusters present in each leaf fork (axil). Each of the small flowers has five tiny sepals , five small greenish-white coloured petals, and ten prominent pale yellow or whitish coloured stamens.

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Pers.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: MyrtalesFamily: LythraceaeGenus: LagerstroemiaSpecies: Lagerstroemia speciosaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0031

Banaba is a deciduous tropical flowering tree, 5 to 10 meters high, sometimes growing to a height of 20 meters. Bark is smooth, gray to cream-colored, and peels off in irregular flakes. Flowers are 6-parted, purplish lilac or mauve-pink, rarely pink, 5 to 7.5 centimeters across, and borne in large, terminal panicles up to 40 centimeters in length. Petals are oblong-obovate or obovate, shortly clawed, and 3 to 3.5 centimeters long; the margins are undulate and hardly fimbriate. Blooming often more spectacular in climates with distinct dry-cool weather, taking place from late summer to autumn. 

Rosa x  harisonii (Rivers)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: RosalesFamily: RosaceaeGenus: RosaSpecies: Rosa x harisoniiCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0032

Commonly known as Rosa ‘Harison’s Yellow’, the Oregon Trail Rose or the Yellow Rose of Texas, is a rose cultivar that originated as a chance hybrid in the early 19th century. It probably is a seedling of Rosa foetida and Rosa pimpinellifolia. The cultivar first bloomed at the suburban villa of George Folliott Harison, attorney, between 8th and 9th Avenues on 32nd Street, north of New York City. The site of Harison’s villa is now just south of the present General Post Office. The nurseryman William Prince of Long Island took cuttings and marketed the rose in 1830. ‘Harison’s Yellow’ is naturalized at abandoned house sites through the west and is found as a feral rose along the Oregon Trail. 

Mirabilis jalapa (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CaryophyllalesFamily: NyctaginaceaeGenus: MirabilisSpecies: Mirabilis jalapaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0034
Mirabilis jalapa is commonly known as Four o’ clock flower. It is native to South America and Peru. Its flowers are tubular, white, pink, or red in color, up to 6.5 cm long and 3.5 cm wide with 5 to stamens and occurs in a group of 3 to 7 flowers. Its roots can be used as an aphrodisiac, diuretic, and purgative, while the juice of its roots is used to treat diarrhea, indigestion, and fever. The leaves can also be used as a diuretic, while its leaf juice can be used to treat wounds. 

Cascabela thevetia (K. Schum.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: GentianalesFamily: ApocynaceaeGenus: CascabelaSpecies: Cascabela thevetiaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0035
Cascabela thevetia is commonly known as yellow oleander. It is native to tropical America, particularly Mexico to Peru, and is introduced in North America, the West Indies, Africa, Southern Asia, Australia, and islands around the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Its flowers are tubular in shape and is 5 to 7 cm long with five petal lobes, is usually colored bright yellow or pale orange. The oil extracted from its seeds is used to externally treat skin maladies and to make soap. 

Ochna serrulata walp. (Hochst.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: ThealesFamily: OchnaceaeGenus: OchnaSpecies: Ochna serrulata walp.Curator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0036
Ochna serrulata walp is commonly known as the Mickey Mouse plant. It is native to Southern Africa, particularly South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. The flower has five bright yellow-colored petals, which are 2 to 3 cm in size, and has numerous large stamens. The people of Zulu use a decoction of the root to treat children suffering from bone diseases or gangrenous rectitis. 

Coccinia grandis (Voigt)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CucurbitalesFamily: CucurbitaceaeGenus: CocciniaSpecies: Coccinia grandisCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0038
Coccinia grandis is commonly known as Ivy Gourd. It is native to north-central East Africa, but also grows in the Indo-Malayan region. Female flowers are supported by a stalk which is 1 to 3 cm in length, the corolla is bell-shaped which is 3 to 4 cm wide and has white petals. Male flowers are supported by a pedicle which is 2 to 6 cm in length, the corolla is bell-shaped which is 1 to 1.5 cm wide and has white petals. It has been reported that C. grandis has analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, antidyslipidemic, anticancer, antitussive and mutagenic’ properties. 

Senna occidentalis (Link)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: FabalesFamily: FabaceaeGenus: SennaSpecies: Senna occidentalisCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0040
Senna occidentalis is commonly known as Ant bush or Coffeeweed. It is native to tropical to subtropical America. Its flowers have 5 petals, is colored pale to bright yellow, which is 2 to 3 cm in diameter. S. occidentalis is used as a traditional remedy for ailments such as typhoid, malaria, liver complaints, and snake and dog bites. 

Senna alata (L. Roxb)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: FabalesFamily: FabaceaeGenus: SennaSpecies: Senna alataCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0041
Senna alata is commonly known as candle bush. It is native only to Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas, and Brazil, it is cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its flowers have bright yellow petals tinged with purple veins, which is 2.5 cm in diameter. It is used as to treat high blood pressure, stomach problems, fever, asthma, bronchitis, among other illnesses. 

Cassia sieberiana (Oliv.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: FabalesFamily: FabaceaeGenus: CassiaSpecies: Cassia sieberianaCurator: Maegan M. Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0043
Cassia sieberiana is found in multiple parts of Africa including the southern part of the Sahel, Senegal, Sudan, and Uganda. It is also found in East Africa. Cassia sieberiana grows best in well drained, humid soils with an annual rainfall of approximately 20 inches. All parts of the laburnum (root, bark, wood, leaves, flowers, pod, and seed) contain a toxic substance called cystine (an alkaloid that has a similar chemical structure to nicotine). Ingestion of any part of the plant may induce fatal poisoning of humans and animals (such as goats, sheep, and horses).

Combret indicum (DeFilipps)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: AsteralesFamily: AsteraceaeGenus: CombretSpecies: Combret indicumCurator: Maegan M. Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0046
In the Philippines, Combret indicum fruits are chewed as a remedy for coughs, and the crushed fruits and seeds are externally applied to alleviate nephritis.

Rosa gallica (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: RosalesFamily: RosaceaeGenus: RosaSpecies: Rosa gallicaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0049
Rosa gallica is a deciduous shrub forming large patches. The slender, straight prickles are various in size and frequency in this species The leaves are pinnately compound, with three to seven bluish-green leaflets. The flowers are clustered one to four together, on glandular pedicels.  It is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, native to southern and central Europe eastwards to Turkey and the Caucasus. The petals are antibacterial, astringent, and tonic. They are taken internally in the treatment of colds, bronchial infections, gastritis, diarrhea, depression, and lethargy. Externally, they are used to treat eye infections, sore throats, minor injuries, and skin problems.

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (Seem.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: ScrophularialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: PseuderanthemumSpecies: Pseuderanthemum carruthersiiCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0050
Pseuderanthemum carruthersii is a native tree in Vietnam. The water extract of the leaves from this tree gives a highly viscous product that has been used to heal wounds and treat inflammations. It has a colourful, erect, woody, moderately fast-growing shrub with an attractive crown of waxy, broad, pointed, somewhat irregular, variegated leaves in a combination of different shades of green suffused with purple and silver, and regularly produces small clusters of pink flowers. In its natural habitat in the shaded rainforests, its growth habit is open and rather straggly. 

Hamelia patens (Jacq.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: GentianalesFamily: RubiaceaeGenus: HameliaSpecies: Hamelia patensCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0051
Hamelia patens have Ebracteate, hermaphrodite, actinomorphic, pentamerous, epigynous. Calyx made up of sepals 5, gamosepalous, petaloid, reddish, valvate. Corolla made up of 5 petals, gamopetalous, twisted, large, and tubular. Androecium made up of 5 stamens, polyandrous, epipetalous, dithecous, basifixed, introrse. Gynoecium composed of pentacarpellary, syncarpous, inferior pentalocular, axile placentation. In Belize, the plant is used for all types of skin problems including sores, wounds, burns, itching, insect stings, and bites. A decoction of leaves is prepared by boiling two handfuls of leaves, stems, and flowers in 2 gallons of water for 10 minutes, and applied, after cooling, to the affected areas.

Cucurbita pepo (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: ViolalesFamily: CucurbitaceaeGenus: CucurbitaSpecies: Cucurbita pepoCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0052
  Cucurbita pepo is native to the Eastern United States and Mexico and cultivated worldwide for its fruits. C. pepo is monoecious (unisexual flowers, with male and female on the same plant) and bears solitary actinomorphic flowers (10 cm across) that produce nectar. The calyx is campanulate with 5 free sepals; each sepal is linear and 0.9-3 cm long, smaller on pistillate flowers. The yellow corolla is campanulate, 5-parted (occasionally 6-parted) with erect to spreading petals that are apically acute, approximately 5-10 cm long, and ca. 3 cm broad on smaller flowers. 

Tabernaemontana divaricata (Roem & Schult.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: GentianalesFamily: ApocynaceaeGenus: TabernaemontanaSpecies: Tabernaemontana divaricataCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0053
Tabernaemontana divaricata is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 0.5 - 5 m tall. The plant is cultivated in China as a medicinal plant and as an ornamental almost throughout the tropics and subtropics for its attractive and fragrant flowers. Native to East Asia - southern China, India, Myanmar, Thailand. Its habitat is Montane brushwoods, sparse forests; at elevations of 100 - 1,600 m in southern China. Light forest, usually in the hills, from sea level to 1,400 meters. It is widely used as a medicinal herb in the tropics. Indeed, in India, the applications in traditional medicine are so numerous that the plant may well be classified as a panacea for gastro-intestinal, urogenital, and skin affections.

Ardisia elliptica (Thunb.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: PrimulalesFamily: PrimulaceaeGenus: ArdisiaSpecies: Ardisia ellipticaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0054
Ardisia elliptica is a small tree reaching a height of about 10 meters. Leaves are alternate, oblanceolate to elliptic-oblanceolate, 6 to 15 cm long, 2 to 6 cm wide, and pointed at both ends. Flowers are white or pink, fragrant, borne on the compound, terminal, or lateral inflorescences, and about 1 centimeter in length. Fruit is dark blue or purple, rounded, and 5 to 8 millimeters in diameter. It Occurs in India, Sri Lanka, Indo-China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Species of Ardisia are rich sources of novel and potent phytochemical compounds, such as bergenin and ardisin. The report reviews the usage and biological activities of Ardisia compounds.

Impatiens balsamina (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: BalsaminalesFamily: BalsaminaceaeGenus: ImpatiensSpecies: Impatiens balsaminaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0055
Impatiens balsamina is native in India, now cultivated in all warm countries. It is an annual, erect, succulent, branched herb, 1 meter high or less. Leaves are smooth, somewhat glabrous or pubescent, 3 to 5 centimeters long, narrowly lanceolate or oblanceolate, pointed at both ends, deeply serrate, alternate, the petioles with basal glands as seen under a magnifying glass. Flowers are axillary, showy, 2 to 3 centimeters long, usually pink, but forms with white, red, purple, or variegated petals are also found in cultivation. The sepal spur is long and slender. The stamens are 5, filaments short, broad, anthers uniting. The ovary is 5-celled, the stigma, 5-toothed, the ovules many. Antifungal activity of synthetic peptides derived from I. balsamina antimicrobial peptides Ib-AMP1 and Ib-AMP4 showed potential of I. balsamina antimicrobial peptides in combating fungal infections.

Division: Streptophyta

Eucharis amazonica (Planch.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: StreptophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: AsparagalesFamily: AmaryllidaceaeGenus: EucharisSpecies: Eucharis amazonicaCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0009
Eucharis amazonica flower at least twice a year, Flower fragrance is sweet and spicy and seems stronger during the day. Has a staminal cup of 11.2-13.8 mm long to the apex of teeth and 28-30 mm wide. It Has a narrow distribution from Huallaga valley near Moyobamba and Tarapoto, NorthEastern Peru. Viable seeds have never been produced in cultivation and the whole population is thought to be a single cone. 

Division: Tracheophyta

Luffa aegyptiaca (Mill.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CucurbitalesFamily: CucurbitaceaeGenus: LuffaSpecies: Luffa aegyptiacaCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0005
Luffa aegyptiaca flowers are deep to bright yellow, up to 5-10 cm in diameter, and unisexual. Male flowers are borne on stalks on unbranched elongated inflorescences, known as racemes, while female flowers are solitary and borne in the same leaf-axils as the male flowers. It is widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where it was cultivated and naturalized, and it is native to India. Pulp of the whole plant is used as a suppository against constipation. In Gabon, a root preparation of it is used as a remedy for nose cancer. 

Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CornalesFamily: HydrangeaceaeGenus: HydrangeaSpecies: Hydrangea macrohpyllaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0011

Hydrangea macrophylla is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae, native to Japan. It has large clusters of flowers with broadly oval sepals. Known in the Philippines as milflores, in reference to the thousands of minuscule clusters of flowers. It also has medicinal value; its leaves, roots, and flowers are considered anti-malarial and diuretic. The leaves also contain phyllodulcin, a sweet substance that can be used as a sugar substitute. This was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era and a very soulful flower, which symbolizes heartfelt emotions. 

Plumeria pudica (Jacq.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: GentianalesFamily: ApocynaceaeGenus: PlumeriaSpecies: Plumeria pudicaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0012

An unusually free-blooming white-flowered plumeria, producing a succession of the 1 1/2" white flowers with a yellow eye are born throughout the warmer months. Unusual spatula-shaped, shiny, deep green foliage on an upright plant. A great patio plant. Proteins from Plumeria pudica latex were showed anti-inflammatory against inflammatory ulcerative colitis (UC).

Dendrobium anosmum (Lindl.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: LiliopsidaOrder: AsparagalesFamily: OrchidaceaeGenus: DendrobiumSpecies: Dendrobium anosmumCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0013
Denbrobium anosmum is a tufted epiphytic, occasionally lithophytic herb. Flowers are borne on leafless stems, each flower measuring about 8 centimeters, with mauve to purple petals, with a broad lip and a dark purple throat, exuding a characteristic raspberry fragrance. It is native to the Philippines, New Guinea, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Sanggumay is derived from two Tagalog root words: "sangsang" meaning nauseating and overpowering (smell), and "umay" meaning "tiresome".

Sesbania grandiflora (Pers.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: FabalesFamily: FabaceaeGenus: SesbaniaSpecies: Sesbania grandifloraCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0014

Sesbania grandiflora is a fast-growing perennial, deciduous, or evergreen legume tree, up to 10-15 m high. (Ecocrop, 2010) It has edible flowers and leaves commonly eaten in Southeast Asia and South Asia. A Study of ethanol flower extract ointment showed greater wound healing contracting ability and significantly increased tensile strength. The wound healing property was attributed to tannin and other nutritious content. The Study investigated various extracts of flowers for anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. Results showed significant dose-dependent anthelmintic activity. The activity was attributed to glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins content.

Gomphrena globosa (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CaryophyllalesFamily: AmaranthaceaeGenus: GomphrenaSpecies: Gomphrena globosaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0015

Gomphrena amaranth is an ornamental garden plant of the family Amaranthaceae, grown for its showy spherical flower clusters. Gomphrena amaranth is native to Guatemala, Panama, and Brazil and is cultivated around the world. The plant has the amazing ability to last for years when dried, is very heat tolerant and fairly drought resistant, but grows best in full sun and regular moisture. (Silva et. al 2012) Rich in betacyanins which have a wide range of applications as additives and supplements in the food industry, cosmetics, and livestock feed. (Roriz et. al 2017)

Nymphaea rubra (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: NymphaealesFamily: NymphaeaceaeGenus: NymphaeaSpecies: Nymphaea rubraCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0016

Nymphaea rubra is a perennial herbaceous aquatic plant having pinkish and corm-shaped rhizomes rooted in sediment and forms slender stolons. Flowers are showy, bisexual, fragrant, hypogynous, polymerous measuring 15 cm across, and solitary on dark red peduncle above water. Common in shallow lakes and ponds throughout temperate and tropical Asia: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The flower is an astringent and cardiac tonic, helpful for heart palpitations. Vibrant colours and sweet fragrances of Nymphaea flowers have been used in many aromatherapy centres, and the flower extract is also used in many cosmetic products. (Jirapong  et al. 2012)

Canna generalis (L. H. Bailey)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: ZingiberalesFamily: CannaceaeGenus: CannaSpecies: Canna generalisCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0017
Canna is the only genus in the family Cannaceae. The canna flower is very exotic. Technically, the 'flowers' are inflorescences, meaning that they are clusters of flowers on a single structure. They produce large, banana-shaped leaves and striking, colorful flowers that resemble Irises. Rhizomes of cannas are edible, along with the flowers and leaves, and used in agriculture as a source of starch for human and animal consumption.

Begonia coccinea (Hook.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CucurbitalesFamily: BegoniaceaeGenus: BegoniaSpecies: Begonia coccineaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0018

Begonia coccinea with fibrous-rooted herbaceous perennial with erect, branched stems growing to 1.3 meters tall. Flowers are in axillary, pendulous racemes with red peduncles. Female flowers are three-winged with a red ovary. Flowers only bloom during summer and have a waxy texture. In other countries, it has been written up for the medicinal uses of its flowers. Flower infusions used to promote blood circulation and the elimination of toxins from the body. A Poultice of flowers used for burns and toxic sores.

Jatropha integerrima (Jacq.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: MalphigialesFamily: EuphorbiaceaeGenus: JatrophaSpecies: Jatropha interregimaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0019
Jatropha integerrima is a medium-sized branching shrub, growing up to 3 meters high. Flowers are red, showy, emerging as clusters on terminal cymes, and borne by a peduncle up to 12 centimeters long. Introduced to the Philippines in the 50s, now widely spread. Native to the West Indies. Peregrina is Spanish for Pilgrim or Wanderer. This plant shares its name with a rather exceptional teardrop pearl named 'La Peregrina'. Jatropha is not cold tolerant and will be damaged by frost. Jatropha integerrima showed the strongest antioxidant activity (11.67 ppm), the richest anthocyanin content (15.83 mg CGE/100 g DW), and was not toxic.

Mussaenda philippica (A. Rich)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: GentianalesFamily: RubiaceaeGenus: MussaendaSpecies: Mussaenda philippicaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0023
Mussaenda philippica can be found growing in parks, botanical gardens, private and public gardens, and along roadsides and highways. M. philippica is a large shrub or small tree that is native to the Philippines and frequently cultivated as an ornamental in tropical regions. The cultivar was named after Dona Aurora Aragon-Quezon, wife of the former president of the Philippines Manuel Luis Quezon.

Clerodendrum paniculatum (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: LamiaceaeGenus: ClerodendrumSpecies: Clerodendrum paniculatumCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0024
Clerodendrum paniculatum is a shrub that is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its spectacularly showy inflorescences. Clerodendrum paniculatum is native to southeastern Asia, including China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It has been introduced into tropical and subtropical regions and often establishes as a garden escapee. It inhabits evergreen jungles, open forests, thickets, open wet areas, railroad embankments, clearings, and forest edges. The species is cultivated in gardens and yards and can often be found naturalized around settlements and wastelands, and along roadside hedgerows.

Alpinia purpurata (K. Schum.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: ZingiberalesFamily: ZingiberaceaeGenus: AlpiniaSpecies: Alpinia purpurataCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0025
A. purpurata is an ornamental herb listed as a “cultivation escape” in the Global Compendium of Weeds. A. purpurata is native to Malesia (Papua New Guinea) and the Southwestern Pacific. It is commonly planted for ornamental purposes throughout the tropics and can persist in some areas such as urban forests, abandoned gardens, and old yards. Under natural conditions, it can be found growing in moist secondary forests, moist roadsides, riverbanks, edges of mangrove swamps, and wetlands. The flower is a spike inflorescence, 15 - 30 cm long with bracts overlapping, forming cone or funnel shape; bracts ovate to broadly obovate, about 3 cm long; flowers tubular, white, about 0.5 cm, narrow lip. The stems are used by Hawaiians for stomachaches. Salt and rhizomes are mashed together for treating headaches. 

Duranta erecta (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: VerbenaceaeGenus: DurantaSpecies: Duranta erectaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0026
Duranta erecta is a species of flowering shrub in the verbena family Verbenaceae, native from Mexico to South America and the Caribbean. It grows in a weed of disturbed sites, waste areas, roadsides, wetter pastures, open woodlands, and densely forested areas, and particularly along waterways in sub-tropical and tropical regions. The blue or pale purple flowers are borne in elongated clusters (5-30 cm long) at the tips of the branches and in the upper leaf stalks. These flowers (9-18 mm long) are borne on short stalks and each flower consists of a thin tube (about 1 cm long), made up of the fused petals, which opens into five distinct lobes. Duranta erecta commonly referred to golden dewdrop, pigeon berry, angel whisper, or skyflower is one of the traditional medicinal plants. It has been shown to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticide properties. 

Tristellateia australasiae (A. Rich.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: MalpighialesFamily: MalpighiaceaeGenus: TristellateiaSpecies: Tristellateia australasiaeCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0033
Tristellateia australasiae is native in Taiwan, Southeast Asia (including Singapore) to Australia, and the western Pacific. T. australasiae has bright yellow-petalled flowers that are 2-2.5 cm wide, borne on flowering shoots that are 10-30 cm long. Its flowers are frequently visited by bees, butterflies, as well as sunbirds. It is also the food plant for the caterpillars of the butterfly, the brown awl (Badamia exclamations).  It grows along creeks and estuaries, in beach forests, landward edges of mangrove forests, and tidal swamps. It is a fast-growing climber for fences, pergolas, trellises, and vertical greening of buildings. It can be trained as ground cover, or even as a low hedge. It is suitable for gardens, parks or roadsides. 

Brunfelsia americana (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: SolanalesFamily: SolanaceaeGenus: BrunfelsiaSpecies: Brunfelsia americanaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0037
Brunfelsia americana (American Brunfelsia) is a species of shrub in the family nightshades. They have a self-supporting growth form. They are native to U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Recently introduced to the Philippines. Its Fragrant tubular flowers will fade from white to orange-yellow after a few days of blooming. Flowers emit a sweet scent with inebriating effects reminiscent of Brugmansia suaveolens. The fragrance emerges with the night and disappears with the dawn. Traces of cyanide have been found in the leaves and flowers as well as in the bark of the stem and root. 

Crossandra infundibuliformis (Nees)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: CrossandraSpecies: Crossandra infundibuliformisCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0039

Crossandra infundibuliformis, the firecracker flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to southern India and Sri Lanka. The Flowers are salverform; each flower has a thin tube (2.5 cm long) with 5 lobes (2 - 4 cm wide) that are perpendicular to the tube. The throat may be red or yellow. They are arranged in terminal inflorescences. Below the flowers, green, leaf-like bracts are arranged like a head of wheat. The bracts are covered in soft, white hairs. 

Aeschynanthus radicans (Jack)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: GesneriaceaeGenus: AeschynanthusSpecies: Aeschynanthus radicans Curator: Maegan M. Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0042
Lipstick Plant is a tropical epiphyte that is a popular and striking houseplant with its bright red tubular flowers. Place the plant in bright indirect light, where soil temperatures will stay between 65-70 degrees, spring through fall.  During the winter, it can be kept a bit cooler and drier.  If the temperature falls below 50 degrees, a leaf drop will occur. This plant flowers freely with terminal flower clusters. Buds appear first and resemble tubes of lipstick, hence the common name. Tubular scarlet red flowers follow, with yellow throats and 5-lobed petals that are shorter on top than the bottom and have leaf-like bracts at the base.

Celosia cristata (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CaryophyllalesFamily: AmaranthaceaeGenus: CelosiaSpecies: Celosia cristata Curator: Maegan M. Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0044
Crested cock's-comb, native to the Caribbean, is a cultivated plant, grown as an ornamental or as a food plant with edible leaves. Cockscombs are tender perennials but are usually grown as annuals in cooler climates.  The plants produce dense undulating inflorescences that resemble the red combs on the heads of roosters, hence their common name; the colours range from white and yellow to shades of orange, red, and purple. The flowers can be dried and used in floral arrangements. 

Chrysothemis pulchella (Decne.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: GesneriaceaeGenus: ChrysothemisSpecies: Chrysothemis pulchellaCurator: Maegan M. Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0045
Chrysothemis pulchella bears showy, bright yellow flowers with red streaks. They are surrounded by long-lasting, bright orange-red bracts that resemble bell-shaped flowers. The bracts become even brighter when the flowers die. It can be used as a shade area house plant or interior ornamental plant or in a greenhouse. Chrysothemis pulchella has a very broad range of distribution from the Caribbean south to Brazil. It produces a tuber, which allows it to go dormant during the dry season. There are several forms in cultivation that often go under the name 'Copper Leaf', 'Bronze Leaf', or 'Black Flamingo'. 

Gerbera jamesonii (Hook. f.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: AsteralesFamily: AsteraceaeGenus: GerbreraSpecies: Gerbera jamesoniiCurator: Jason Romeo E. Reyes, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0047
Commonly known as African Daisy or Gerbera Daisy. It originates from Africa, particularly Eswatini. It can reach a height of 1 ft. 6 in. and its flower has an umbel inflorescence and has various colors such as red, pink, yellow, etc. It is one of the most popular ornamental flowers in the world and therefore has considerable economic importance. Gerbera jamesonii is found naturally in grassland in sandy, well-drained soils in Mpumalanga, Southern Africa. This plant produces tall colorful flowers in season. 

Xerochrysum bracteatum (Vent.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: AsteralesFamily: AsteraceaeGenus: XerochrysumSpecies: Xerochrysum bracteatumCurator: Jason Romeo E. Reyes, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCFP - 0048
Commonly known as Everlasting Flower. It originates from Australia. The plant can reach up to 5 ft in height. The flower has a radial shape, comes in a variety of color such as yellow, orange, red, pink, and white, and is 1 to 3 inches in size. The flowers attract butterflies, moths, and other insects, providing an important food source for them. Xerochrysum bracteatum occurs in all Australian mainland states and territories, as well as Tasmania. Widespread, it is found from North Queensland across to Western Australia, and in all habitats excluding densely shaded areas. 

References