THE HERBARIUM

A herbarium is a vital resource for research on biodiversity, ecology, and evolution. It is a primary data source consisting of dried and labeled plant specimens that have been organized to facilitate retrieval and archival storage. A herbarium is similar to a library, but it stores information in biological form as pressed, dried, and annotated plant specimens.Herbarium and museum collections serve as the foundation for learning about the world's biodiversity. Additionally, herbarium specimens provide materials for research on DNA variation, genome structure, and gene expression. The BSED Science Virtual Museum of Natural History has curated a collection of plant specimens from the Philippines to highlight the country's biological diversity.

70,000 PLANT SPECIES ARE UTILIZED FOR MEDICINE.

As it turns out, humans are more diversified in the plants we use for medicine. Although a large portion of that figure applies to traditional medicine, modern medicine is not exempt from plant help.

Convention on Biological Diversity. 

GROUP 1 PalaONE

Division: Angiospermae

Dracaena sanderiana (H. Sander)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: AngiospermaeClass: LiliopsidaOrder: AsparagalesFamily: AsparagaceaeGenus: DracaenaSpecies: Dracaena sanderianaCurator: Angelica V. Hipolito, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0029
Dracaena sanderiana, commonly called lucky bamboo, the slim, upright stems have distinct nodes giving them a bamboo-like appearance. The leaves are lanceolate in shape and can reach up to 7" long and 1.5" wide.  In its natural habitat, it grows with the understory plants in the tropical forest. Dracaena sanderiana is native to Cameroon in West Africa. It has become widely popular due to its ability to intertwine eastern mysticism with western new-age culture. The lucky bamboo plant is one of the most popular Feng Shui cures said to bring good luck and prosperity to the place where it is grown. It is also known to enhance the flow of positive energy in the home and office when placed in the right direction. 

Division: Antophyta

Pilea nummulariifolia (Wedd.) 

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: AnthophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: RosalesFamily: UrticaceaeGenus: PileaSpecies: Pilea nummulariifoliaCurator: Lorenz David  B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0009

Pilea nummulariifolia is a low-growing perennial herb that creeps and forms mats. It is bright green, round to oval leaves, and is deeply wrinkled with notched tips. It is native to West Indies to Peru. Its plant growth form is climber, vibe, and liana. 

Division: Pteridophyta

Nephrolepis exaltata (Schott)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: PteridophytaClass: FilicopsidaOrder: PolypodialesFamily: NephrolepidaceaeGenus: NephrolepisSpecies: Nephrolepis exaltataCurator: Maegan M. Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0051
Nephrolepis exaltata grows best at 60 to 75 degrees F, however, it can also survive temperature as low as 50 degrees F for some time. The fern is common in humid forests and swamps, especially in northern South America, Mexico, Central America, Florida, the West Indies, Polynesia, and Africa. Nephrolepis exaltata thrives in moist, shady locations and is found frequently in swamps and floodplains. Leaves are tufted, long, narrow, and simply pinnate. Margins are entire or slightly crenate. 

Division: Spermatophyta

Lycopersicon esculentum (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: SolanalesFamily: SolanaceaeGenus: LycopersiconSpecies: Lycopersicon esculentumCurator: Jeric C. Advincula, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0001

The species originated in western South America and Central America. It has an erect, green, and glabrous to hairy stem and could grow up to 1.7m in height.  The pulped fruit is an extremely beneficial skin wash for people with oily skin. Sliced fruits are a quick and easy first aid treatment for burns, scalds, and sunburn. 

Cardiospermum halicacabum (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: SapindalesFamily: SapindaceaeGenus: CardiospermumSpecies: Cardiospermum halicacabumCurator: Jeric C. Advincula, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0002

Cardiospermum halicacabum, known as the balloon plant or love in a puff, is a climbing plant widely distributed across tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Australia, and North America that is often found as a weed along roads and rivers. Its leaflets bear toothed margins, are lanceolate in shape, 2-4cm in length, 1-2cm wide, and faintly pubescent with pinnate venation. It is useful as diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, laxative, refrigerant, stomachic, antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrhoeal, antidiarrhoeal, antiulcer, nervous diseases, itching, fruits are used for boils, etc.  (Durgesh Dixena & Devendra Kumar Patel, 2019) 

Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacq.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MonocotyledonaeOrder: AlismatalesFamily: AraceaeGenus: DieffenbachiaSpecies: Dieffenbachia seguineCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0003
Dieffenbachia seguine is a highly decorative foliage plant that grows up to 1m tall. Their thick, cane-like and unbranched stems carry rather soft and fleshy leaves on sturdy, sheathed stalks. Native to tropical Americas – from Southern Mexico, through Central America, to Northern South America and is introduced to the Philippines. The sap is used in tropical America as an antidote to snakebites, to treat rheumatism, and gout externally. 

Aglaonema commutatum (Schott)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MonocotyledonaeOrder: AlismatalesFamily: AraceaeGenus: AglaonemaSpecies: Aglaonema commutatumCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0004
Aglaonema commutatum is a thick, elliptic to lance-shaped, dark green leaves, 4-8” long and 2-3” wide with attractive silver-gray blotches on erect, sometimes branched stems. It is composed of 25 species. It is native to tropical Asia from northeastern India and southeastern China. In Malaysia, the roots are used in tonic for children and as anthelmintic. In the Moluccas, heated leaves are used to reduce swellings. 

Euonymus fortunei (Turcz.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: CelistralesFamily: CelastraceaeGenus: EuonymusSpecies: Euonymus fortuneiCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0005
It is an evergreen, shade-tolerant vine that can form a dense groundcover and also climbs. Seeds of Euonymus can be restored for more than 2 years. E. fortunei is native to China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam. In Asia, E. fortunei is common in woodlands, scrub, and forests. In the USA, it is found in a variety of forest types including floodplain, mesic, and dry-mesic forests. 

Syngonium auritum (Schott)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: AlismatalesFamily: AraceaeGenus: SyngoniumSpecies: Syngonium auritumCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0008
Syngonium auritum is a fully mature plant that is 5 feet in height and 2 feet in width. When the plant is young, leaves are heart-shaped, and as it matures, the leaves become more arrow-shaped and have no white markings. It is native to Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. It is introduced to Puerto Rico. Its leaves represent the five feng-shui elements; water, fire, earth, wood, and metal. 

Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Prain)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: BrassicalesFamily: BrassicaceaeGenus: BrassicaSpecies: Brassica rapa subsp. chinesisCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 00010
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis is an annual to biennial herb up to 1.5 m tall, with stout taproot, sometimes partly swollen; stem branched. The species has been suggested as originating in Europe, Eurasia, and from Eastern Mediterranean to Pakistan and China. Brassica rapa is reported as being attacked by various pests and diseases, especially in tropical areas. Pest problems can be avoided by planting resistant cultivars and using crop rotations. 

Plumbago auriculata (Lam.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: PlumbaginalesFamily: PlumbaginaceaeGenus: PlumbagoSpecies: Plumbago auriculataCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 00012
Plumbago auriculata is a semi-climbing, diffusely branched perennial shrub, growing to 2 meters. Leaves are alternate, simple, entire, oblong, or oblong-spatulate, up to 5 centimeters long, with the base tapering to a short petiole. Flowers are short spikelike racemes; the calyx is tubular, shorter than the slender corolla. Corolla tube measures 2 to 2.5 centimeters long, five-lobed, azure blue, and spreading. This plant has medium severity poison characteristics. The species is often cultivated for its ornamental and medicinal uses throughout the world. The powdered root of this species is applied for wounds, warts, skin disorders, and headaches. It also has the ability to fight cancer through the immune system.

Citrus limon (Burm.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: SapindalesFamily: RutaceaeGenus: CitrusSpecies: Citrus limonCurator: Angelica V. Hipolito, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 00027
Citrus limon tree reaches 10 to 20 ft (3-6 m) in height and usually has sharp thorns on the twigs. The alternate leaves, reddish when young, become dark-green above, light-green below; are oblong, elliptic, or long-ovate, 6.25-11.25 cm long, finely toothed, with slender wings on the petioles. Lemon trees are found in tropical and subtropical climates. They thrive in places where the temperature is between 16 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius and they are sensitive to cold temperatures. Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds. These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits. In fact, lemons may support heart health, weight control, and digestive health. 

Ficus microcarpa (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: RosalesFamily: MoraceaeGenus: FicusSpecies: Ficus microcarpaCurator: Angelica V. Hipolito, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 00028

Ficus microcarpa is an evergreen tree, often epiphytic, subscandent shrubs when young, in maturity spreading evergreen trees with large branches and numerous aerial roots hanging from the trunk and branches, these sometimes reaching the soil to form pillar-like roots. Leaves: variable, coriaceous, oblong, elliptic to broadly elliptic or obovate, usually 5-8 cm long, glabrous, margins entire, petioles 0.6-2 cm long. A tropical and subtropical species, the tree requires a warm climate and a humid atmosphere. It is native to Sri Lanka, India, southern China, Insulinde, Ryukyu Islands, Australia, and New Caledonia.  F. microcarpa is rich in triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids. 

Philodendron erubescens (K. Koch & Augustin)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: AlismatalesFamily: AraceaeGenus: PhilodendronSpecies: Philodendron erubescensCurator: Angelica V. Hipolito, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0030
The foliage of philodendron erubescens is usually green but may be coppery, red, or purplish; parallel leaf veins are usually green or sometimes red or white. The shape, size, and texture of the leaves vary considerably, depending on the species and maturity of the plant. Native to South and Central America, these plants require slightly shaded conditions with filtered sunlight, much like that found in their natural habitat of the humid, dense, tropical rainforests. This evergreen plant is widely available in commercial garden centres throughout the year. Philodendron is an important source of food for bats and monkeys in the wild. Some varieties of philodendron produce a sugary liquid that attracts ants. 

Angelica keiskei (Koidz.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: ApialesFamily: ApiaceaeGenus: AngelicaSpecies: Angelica keiskeiCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0031
Ashitaba derives from the Japanese words Ashita (tomorrow) and ba (leaf), which relates to the plant's ability to regenerate new leaves after taking cuttings. Angelica derives from Latin, angel. Keiskei derives from Ito Keisuke, the 19th-century Japanese botanist, also referred to as the father of modern Japanese botany. Angelica keiskei was endemic to Japan; especially in the Seven Islands of Izu. Having recent interest and cultivation in the Philippines because of its herbal medicinal benefits. Ashitaba is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing to a height of 50 to 120 centimeters. The roots are stout, conic, or cylindric. While the flowers are hermaphrodites (having both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile and regenerative. Ashitaba used as a remedy for bowel disturbances, dysuria, arthritis, and immune diseases. Also, used as lactagogue, to increase mother's milk.

Mentha x piperita (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: LamialesFamily: LamiaceaeGenus: MenthaSpecies: Mentha x piperitaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0032
Mentha x piperita is a perennial plant found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Mostly known in the world for the cool scent the stems produce or for the spice in the red peppermint candy. Mentha x piperita grows to around 31 to 46 cm tall, and the spacing between each plant should be around 46 to 61 cm. The mint leaves are unique when it comes to flavor – they are warm, fresh, sweet and to top, it all leaves a cool after taste. These qualities give teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams a real twist in their flavor. The herb has been used throughout history not just to freshen one’s breath, but to treat stomach and digestive disorders too. Mint has been attributed to being very effective for weight loss, memory loss, skincare issues, and the treatment of asthma too.

Hydrocotyle vulgaris (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: ApialesFamily: AraliaceaeGenus: HydrocotyleSpecies: Hydrocotyle vulgarisCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0033
Hydrocotyle vulgaris is native to India, North, and South America. Marsh pennyworth is a creeping or floating perennial herb. Their stems are slender, creeping, rooting at the nodes. And the leaves have long and slender petioles, glossy, dark green, crenate, peltate to orbicular, 6 to 9 veined, up to 4 cm across. Hydrocotyle vulgaris used for eczema and other dermatology maladies such as scrofula, ulcers. Also, used for rheumatism, headaches, dizziness, bloody stools. The leaves used to dress burns or applied to skin diseases.

Cananga odorata (Hook, F. & Thomson)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: AnnonalesFamily: AnnonaceaeGenus: CanangaSpecies: Cananga odorataCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0034
Cananga odorata is native to the Philippines, southern Asia, Malesia, and Australia, and is cultivated in the Neotropics. It is known to be a persistent species in Puerto Rico. Cananga odorata is a vigorous, pioneering, and fast-growing tree. As it is capable of growing more than 2 m per year in its early year. The species can fruit and flower continuously throughout the year once they mature. According to a 2015 Research study, Essential oils or ylang-ylang oil is used in aromatherapy and is believed to be effective in treating depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Many phytochemical studies have identified the constituents present in the essential oils of Cananga odorata.

Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach & Thonn.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: EbenalesFamily: SapotaceaeGenus: SynsepalumSpecies: Synsepalum dulcificumCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0035
Synsepalum dulcificum is native to Africa, from Ghana to the Congo area. Occasionally cultivated, also outside its area of natural distribution. Synsepalum dulcificum is a shrub or small tree, up to 4.5 m tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, entire, clustered near ends of branchlets; petiole very short; blade obovate-oblanceolate, 5-10 cm × 1.5-4 cm, glabrous below, with about 8 pairs of lateral veins.

Theobroma cacao (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: MalvalesFamily: MalvaceaeGenus: TheobromaSpecies: Theobroma cacaoCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0036
Theobroma cacao is a typical crop of the tropical lowlands that can be grown at higher altitudes if other conditions are favourable. The primary centres of genetic diversity of T. cacao are in the upper basin of the Amazon and its headwaters (in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil). Also, the leaves are thin-coriaceous, petiolate, arranged spirally on orthotropic, alternate on plagiotropic branches; petiole 1-10 cm long, characteristically thickened at both ends.

Conocarpus erectus (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: MyrtalesFamily: CombretaceaeGenus: ConocarpusSpecies: Conocarpus erectusCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0037
Conocarpus erectus is a low branching evergreen shrub or tree with a typical height of up to 40 feet. According to 2014, research review C. erectus plant contains phenols such as flavonoids and tannins as its major constituents. The extract of C. erectus from different parts (leaves, stems, fruits, and flowers) showed high antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anticancer activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds. It has been shown that tannins have high antimicrobial activity than other phenolic compounds. The research review is an attempt to cover the pharmacognostic characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of the plant.

Vitis vinifera (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: RhamnalesFamily: VitaceaeGenus: VitisSpecies: Vitis viniferaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0038
Vitis vinifera is native to Europe and Central Asia and is the kind of grape you are most likely to find in grocery stores. It can be found growing along the riverside and damp woods. The leaves are superficially similar to fig (Ficus carica) but can be distinguished based on the plant form and presence of tendrils. The plant should be grown in a location where it is protected from winter winds and frost. In Iran, V. vinifera leaves are used in traditional food and for the treatment of diarrhea and bleeding in this review, several pharmacological and clinical studies of the V. vinifera a fruit, commonly known as grape, and its active components are described.

Eupatorium capillifolium (Lam.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: AsteralesFamily: AsteraceaeGenus: EuphatoriumSpecies: Euphatorium capillifoliumCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0039
Euphatorium capillifolium native to fields, clearings, woodland margins and roadsides from Florida to the coast to Massachusetts, but is sometimes confused with non-native fennel. It is an herbaceous perennial weed in the Asteraceae (daisy) family with finely dissected leaves that are very aromatic when crushed (an aroma that is unpleasant to some). The plant spreads in the landscape by wind blown seeds and spreading rootstocks, sometimes to the point of becoming invasive, so it is important to prevent plants from flowering. E. capillifolium grows rapidly in moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade, although it does best with some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. It tolerates most soil types including dry, sandy soils. Plants have good  drought tolerance. However, E. capillifolium is poisonous and has been used as an insecticide and antifungal. 

Aphelandra squarrosa 

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: ScrophularialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: AphelandraSpecies: Aphelandra squarrosaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0040
Aphelandra squarrosa is native to Southeast Brazil. The subshrubs reach heights of 1.5 to 2 metres. A. squarrosa is dark-green, simple leaves are alternate. They are ovate, entire, and petiolate. Also, the leaves have a glabrous surface. According to a 2020 research study, There are 16 different kinds of household plants that were subjected to methanol-water extraction, and the dried extract was analyzed for antibacterial activity using the standard Kirby- Bauer disk diffusion technique. Of all the plants tested, only the Zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) showed strong antibacterial activity against E. coli.

Syzygium cumini (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: MyrtalesFamily: MyrtaceaeGenus: SyzygiumSpecies: Syzygium cuminiCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0041
Syzygium cumini posseses various chemical constituent which is responsible for pharmacological activity. This plant reported to possess many pharmacological activities like anti-diabetic activity, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal activity, antiviral, antifertility activity, gastroprotective, antipyretic, anti-histaminic, antimicrobial, and antiplaque. S. Cumini is a broad crown up to 11 m in diameter and a trunk diameter of 0.6-0.9 m though it usually has a multi-stemmed from branching close to the ground. The bark is rough, cracked, flaking, and discoloured on the lower part of the trunk, becoming smooth and light-grey higher up. Leaves have a turpentine smell, and are opposite, 5-25 cm long, oblong-oval or elliptic, blunt or tapering to a point at the apex; leathery, glossy, dark-green above, lighter beneath, with a conspicuous, yellowish midrib when mature. The original home of this flora is India, distributed throughout India, in the forest up to 1800m usually along the bank and moist localities, also cultivated as shade trees along roadsides.

Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: AnnonalesFamily: AnnonaceaeGenus: PolyalthiaSpecies: Polyalthia longifoliaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0042
Polyalthia longifolia is native to India and Sri Lanka. Recently introduced in the Philippines and widely cultivated in metro Manila, planted in parks, gardens, and roadsides. P. longifolia is a small- to a medium-sized evergreen tree growing up to 15 meters. Young plants have straight trunks and weeping pendulous branches, longest at the base and shorter at the end of the trunk. Leaves are long, narrow, and oblanceolate, dark green, glossy, and wavy margins. Flowers are delicate pale green with wavy petals. Fruits are ovoid, black when ripe.  Phytochemical study on the hexane extract of the stem bark led to the characterization of clerodane and ent-halimane diterpenes, two of which have shown antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Thuja occidentalis (L. H. Bailey)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: PinopsidaOrder: PinalesFamily: CupressaceaeGenus: ThujaSpecies: Thuja occidentalisCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0043
Thuja occidentalis main range extends through the southern part of the eastern half of Canada and the adjacent northern part of the United States. The evergreen can be single- or multi-trunked and columnar or conical in shape. Eastern arborvitae can grow 40-60 ft. Tall, but under cultivation will probably be no taller than 30 ft. Branches end in flat, spreading, horizontal sprays of fragrant, dark-green foliage which turns yellow-green or slight brown in winter. Resinous and aromatic evergreen tree with angled, buttressed, often branched trunk and a narrow, conical crown of short, spreading branches.

Artocarpus heerophyllus (Lam.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: UrticalesFamily: MoraceaeGenus: ArtocarpusSpecies: Artocarpus heterophyllusCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0044
Artocarpus heterophyllus is a medium-sized evergreen tree; stem straight, of diameter 30–80 cm, branching near the base, rarely buttressed; twigs sometimes covered with minute hairs; crown dome-shaped, sometimes pyramidal, dense; exudes a white gummy latex when damaged. It is Native in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia. The jackfruit tree is also renowned for its medicinal properties. In South-East Asia, the seed starch is used to relieve biliousness and the roasted seeds are regarded as an aphrodisiac. Heated leaves are placed on wounds, and the ash of the leaves burned with maize and coconut shells is used to heal ulcers. 

Carica papaya (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: ViolalesFamily: CaricaceaeGenus: CaricaSpecies: Carica papayaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0045
Carica papaya is native to South America. It is commonly called papaya, which is a small, frost-tender, succulent, broadleaf evergreen tree that bears papaya fruits throughout the year. Each tree typically has a single, unbranched, non-woody trunk bearing the scars of old leaf bases. The trunk is topped by an umbrella-like canopy of palmately lobed leaves. Papaya typically grows to 6-20’ tall and is most noted for its edible melon-like fruit. It is native to lowland tropical areas of Central and South America but is now grown in tropical to subtropical regions throughout the world both commercially and in home gardens. C. papaya can be used for the treatment of numerous diseases like warts, corns, sinuses, eczema, cutaneous tubercles, glandular tumors, blood pressure, dyspepsia, constipation, amenorrhoea, general debility, expel worms, and stimulate reproductive organs.

Jatropha curcas (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: EuphorbialesFamily: EuphorbiaceaeGenus: JatrophaSpecies: Jatropha curcasCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0046
Jatropha curcas is known for various medicinal uses. Its antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and anti-HIV activity has been well recognized. Because of its broad-spectrum activity, we investigated aqueous and methanol leaf extracts for cytotoxicity and their potential to inhibit the hemagglutinin protein of the influenza virus. J. Curcas is a shrub or treelet, with watery latex; bark smooth; branches glaucous-gray, glabrous, sparsely lenticellate, pith larger. Stipules small; petioles 6-18 cm; leaf blade rotund to ovate, papery, nitid green and glabrous adaxially, gray-green and along nerves puberulent to glabrous abaxially, base cordate, apex acute; palmate veins. Inflorescences axillary, bracts lanceolate, 4-8 mm. J. curcas is thought to be native to tropical America but its exact origin is still uncertain.

Ceiba pentandra (Gaertn.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: MalvalesFamily: BombacaceaeGenus: CeibaSpecies: Ceiba pentandraCurator: Maegan M.  Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0048
Ceiba pentandra is a tall, deciduous tree bearing short, sharp prickles all along the trunk and branches; supported by pronounced buttresses at the base. It has a light crown and is leafless for a long period. The leaf is glabrous and digitate, being composed of 5, 7, or 9 leaflets. There are usually 5 leaflets in a mature form. The leaflets hang down on short stalks; short pointed at the base and apex, not toothed on edges, thin, bright to dark green above and dull green beneath. Ceiba pentandra is a fast-growing tree and is briefly deciduous in winters. An emergent tree in various types of moist evergreen and deciduous forests, including those subject to seasonal inundation, as well as in dry forests and gallery forests.

Cyanthillium cinereum (H. Rob.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: AsteralesFamily: AsteraceaeGenus: CyanthilliumSpecies: Cyanthillium cinereumCurator: Maegan M.  Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0049
In the Philippines, Cyanthillium cinereum is used as an infusion for cough and skin diseases. A poultice from leaves reduces headaches while a root decoction relieves stomach aches and diarrhea. Cyanthillium cinereum is an erect herb, 20 to 80 cm high, slightly branched, and covered with fine gray hairs. The stem is finely striated. The leaves are alternate, simple. They are elliptical, attenuate base in the corner, and covered with grayish hairs. C. cinereum is a cosmopolitan weed common in disturbed areas in tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Randall, 2012). It is a fast-growing, annual herb with the capacity to form dense patches in gardens, roadsides, waste grounds, and pasture (Holm et al., 1997). 

Euphorbia hirta (L. C. Wheeler)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: EuphorbialesFamily: EuphorbiaceaeGenus: EuphorbiaSpecies: Euphorbia hirtaCurator: Maegan M.  Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0050
Euphorbia hirta commonly known as Tawa-Tawa is a plant used in folklore medicine in the Philippines for the treatment of dengue. E. hirta is a native of tropical America, now widespread at low altitudes throughout the tropics and subtropics. It is the most common and ubiquitous of the Euphorbiaceae (Merrill, 1981). It prefers sunny to lightly shaded dry conditions and is an early colonizer of bare ground. E. hirta is a weed of cultivated fields, perennial crops, grasslands, roadsides, gardens, lawns, fallow lands, ditch banks, and waste places. The leaves opposite, 1-4 cm long, 1-1.5 cm wide, oblong-lanceolate, with a pointed tip and a finely toothed margin, often reddish, often purple-blotched on the upper surface, underside hairy, base rounded and unequal; petiole very short; nerves distinct. Stipules small, linear. 

Coleus scutellarioides (R. Br.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: LamialesFamily: LamiaceaeGenus: ColeusSpecies: Coleus scutellarioidesCurator: Jason Romeo E. Reyes, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0053
Commonly known as the Mayana plant. It originates from Southeast Asia and Malaysia, it is native to countries such as China but is introduced to some countries like the Philippines. The plant itself can reach a height of up to 1.5 m. Its leaves are ovate to toothed oblong and frequently feature a mixture of colors and blotched with various patterns. It is used as a medicinal plant in most parts of Southeast Asia and is used to treat a variety of illnesses such as dyspepsia, ophthalmia, and wound infections. 

Aucuba japonica (Thunb.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: SpermatophytaClass: DicotyledonaeOrder: CornalesFamily: CornaceaeGenus: AucubaSpecies: Aucuba japonicaCurator: Lorelie Jean V. Libradilla, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0055
Aucuba japonica, commonly called spotted laurel, is a rounded, shade-loving, evergreen shrub in the Garryaceae family, a small family that includes just two genera Garrya and Aucuba. It typically grows to 6-10'(infrequently t0 15') tall, unless pruned shorter. Native to moist woodland areas, thickets, valleys, and along streams from Japan and China to the Himalayas. Coreaceous (leathery), glossy, elliptic to narrow-ovate, medium to rich green leaves (each to 8” long) have coarse marginal teeth on the upper half of each leaf. Tiny purple-maroon flowers with creamy white anthers bloom in early spring (March-April). Each flower has four sepals and four petals.

Division: Tracheophyta

Alocasia cucullata (G. Don)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: AlismatalesFamily: AraceaeGenus: AlocasiaSpecies: Alocasia cucullataCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0006
Alocasia cucullata has its nickname Buddha’s palm because of its slender stems attached to large heart-shaped leaves that seem to be waving with the slightest breezes. It is native to tropical and temperate Asia. It can be found cultivated and naturalized in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Cuba, Colombia, and Ecuador. In China, all parts of the plant are used externally for treating viper bites, abscesses, rheumatism, and arthritis. It can be found growing in the shady understory of moist and humid forests, lowland forests, rainforests, along streams, and river banks. 

Crataegus laevigata (Poir.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: RosalesFamily: RosaceaeGenus: CrataegusSpecies: Crataegus laevigataCurator: Lorenz David B. Amoroso, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0007
Crataegus laevigata is a small, low-branching, deciduous tree that is noted for its profuse spring bloom. It typically grows 15-20’ tall with a rounded crown. Straight to zigzag, thorny stems are clad with 3 to 5-lobed, dark green leaves. It is native to Westerns and Central Europe, from Great Britain and Spain to the Czech Republic and Hungary. It contains raw materials that can be used in the production of important drugs against heart disease.

Pilea microphylla (Liebm.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: RosalesFamily: UrticaceaeGenus: PileaSpecies: Pilea microphyllaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0011
Pilea microphylla has light green, almost succulent, stems and tiny 1/8" leaves which contribute to its other nickname, "Artillery Fern", though it is not related to ferns. The common name given to it came from the cloud of pollen discharged from the male flower when the plant is disturbed. In the Philippines, an infusion of the entire plant is used as a diuretic. The crushed leaves are applied commonly to sores and bruises to heal them.  The methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity, a chloroform extract showed the highest total phenolic contents, and the extract showed antibacterial activity against some Gram-negative and positive bacteria. 

Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (Seem.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: AsteridsOrder: LamialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: PseuderanthemumSpecies: Pseuderanthemum carruthersiiCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0013
Pseuderanthemum carruthersii is an erect, woody shrub that grows to a height between 1 to 2 meters. Densely foliaged, particularly in full to partial sun exposure. Flowers are small, purple, white, and borne in loose clusters at the tips of the branches throughout much of the year and are somewhat showy. It is endemic to Asia. The Carruthers' falseface is highly used in researches for extracting many chemical compounds such as lignans and triterpenes. Their fruit is club-shaped seed capsules containing four seeds.

Euphorbia cyathophora (Klotzsch & Garcke)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: MalpighialesFamily: EuphorbiaceaeGenus: EuphorbiaSpecies: Euphorbia cyathophoraCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0014
Euphorbia cyathophora is a short-lived upright herbaceous plant that is usually less than 1 m tall. Its leaves are often fiddle-shaped, usually alternately arranged along the stems, and have reddish-pink coloured bases (i.e. they appear to be ''painted'') and can easily be mistaken for large petals at a distance. This species is poisonous to humans. Its stems contain a milky sap that is highly irritating when it comes into contact with the skin or when it is accidentally rubbed into the eyes. Their inconspicuous 'flowers' are actually tiny cup-like structures each containing several tiny male flowers and one female flower.

Catharanthus roseus (G. Don)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: GentianalesFamily: ApocynaceaeGenus: CatharanthusSpecies: Catharanthus roseusCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0015
Catharanthus roseus is an erect, smooth, or slightly hairy, simple, or slightly branched evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. Stems are somewhat woody. Leaves are oblong, 4 to 7 centimeters long, rounded at tip, pointed at the base. Flowers are white, pink, or red, or variegated white and red, 3.5 cm to 5 centimeters across, borne in the axils of the leaves. Established in many parts of the Philippines and is often very abundant along sandy seashores contains more than 70 powerful alkaloids, most of which are well-known for their medicinal properties contains the anti-cancerous vincristine and vinblastine as well as anti-hypertensive reserpine. Traditionally used to treat diabetes, ease toothache, improve circulation, and prevent memory loss.

Breynia disticha (J. R. Forst. & G. Frost.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: MalpighialesFamily: PhyllanthaceaeGenus: BreyniaSpecies: Breynia distichaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0016
Breynia disticha is a perennial shrub of tropical Pacific Islands with interesting variegated foliage and red stems. Leaves are variegated with white and green colouration, with slender and zig-zag appearance produces inconspicuous flowers followed by small berries. This is a host plant for the Snowbush Caterpillar which evolves into the White-tipped Black Moth. B. disticha is reported as growing in sclerophyllous forests, low bushy vegetation, pinelands, edges of hammocks, and as uncommon in savannas. It is also reported to occur in holes of calcareous rocks, wet forests, mountains degraded areas, forest edges, rocky plateaus, lowlands, river islands, and hills near the sea. 

Nephrolepis exaltata (Schott)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: PolypodiopsidaOrder: PolypodialesFamily: NephrolepidaceaeGenus: NephrolepisSpecies: Nephrolepis exaltataCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0017
Nephrolepis exaltata has 50–250cm long and 6–15cmbroad in tufted clusters arising from underground rhizomes. The individual pinnae (leaflets) are as much as 2 to 8cm long and shallowly toothed, but not further divided. The pinnate vein pattern is also visible on these highly compound leaves. The round sori (clusters of spore-bearing organs) are in two rows near the margins on the underside of the pinnae. The fronds grow upright at first, then arch gracefully downwards. They grow in lovely arching rosette shaped and spread by runners. Distributed throughout the warmer parts of the world, extending into the temperate zones, but with the greatest species concentration in South-East Asia.

Boerhavia erecta (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: CaryophyllalesFamily: NyctaginaceaeGenus: BoerhaviaSpecies: Boerhavia erectaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0018
Boerhavia erecta is a Perennial, erect herb to 1 m tall, with a robust taproot. Stems terete, thickened at nodes, green or purple, commonly sticky. Leaves in unequal pairs, petiolate, glandular, finely hairy, 10-40 - 5-25 mm (larger leaves), and 5-30 - 4-20 mm (smaller leaves). Inflorescence of axillary and terminal panicles, or umbel-like, with 3-9 flowers per group. Perianth constricted about the middle, green and persistent below, upper parts white to pink, 5-lobed, and falling at maturity. Fruit to 4 mm long, thin-walled, ribbed, becoming sticky when wet, containing a single, club-shaped, longitudinally-ribbed seed. B. erecta possesses significant antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities.

Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: PinopsidaOrder: PinalesFamily: PodocarpaceaeGenus: PodocarpusSpecies: Podocarpus macrophyllusCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0019
Podocarpus macrophyllus is an evergreen shrub or tree that may grow 20 to 30 feet high. Branches are numerous, crowded, and upright. Leaves are narrow-linear to lanceolate, stiff with an acute tip and obtuse base. The blade is dark green above and pale green below, with entire margins. Male and female cones are in separate plants. Seed is globose-ovoid and borne in a fleshy violet receptacle. It is introduced to the Philippines after WWII. Stem bark used in the treatment of worms, especially ringworm and blood disorders. Fruit decoction used as a tonic for the heart, kidneys, and stomach.

Ruellia tuberosa (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: RuelliaSpecies: Ruellia tuberosaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0020
Ruellia tuberosa is a low-growing perennial herb with tuberous roots, growing to a height of a foot or more. Leaves are opposite, elliptic, shortly petioled, abruptly narrowed at the base, with undulate margins and up to 12 centimeters long. Flowers are showy, with the funnel-shaped, 5-lobed corolla, up to 5 centimeters across, and mauve or light bluish purple. Fruit is a pod with 7 to 8 seeds, bursting open and hurtling the seeds when it gets wet. It grows in open waste places in the Philippines. n folk medicine, considered diuretic, antidiabetic, antipyretic, analgesic, antidotal. The leaves of Ruellia tuberosa L. have been known to demonstrate strong antioxidant and xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activities. (Ahmad et al. 2017)

Sphagneticola trilobata (Pruski)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: AsteralesFamily: AsteraceaeGenus: SphagneticolaSpecies: Sphagneticola trolobataCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0021
Sphagneticola trolobata is a creeping, succulent mat-forming perennial herb, with rounded stems rooting at the nodes. Stems are rounded, green or reddish, occasionally coarsely hairy. Leaves are opposite, ovate, dentate, shallowly or deeply 3-cleft, glossy and green, irregularly toothed, sessile, or borne on short stalks. Flowers are daisy-like, golden yellow, borne singly at the end of the stem. Each flower head has 8 to 13 yellowish petals, with 1 to 3 finely toothed tips. At the center of the flower heads, there are numerous tiny yellow tubular disc florets. Phytochemical analysis of the flower extracts yielded flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and saponins. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited good antibacterial activity against E. coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, S. aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (Vinay et al. 2017) 

Laportea aestuans (Chew)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: RosalesFamily: UrticaceaeGenus: LaporteaSpecies: Laportea aestuansCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0022
Laportea aestuans is an erect plant, somewhat branched or simple annual herb, about 0.5 to 1.5 meters high. Stems are green and succulent, the vegetative parts with scattered, somewhat stinging, spreading hairs. Leaves are ovate, 5 to 15 centimeters long, with tapering pointed tip, broadly rounded base, and toothed margin, with scattered hairs on both surfaces. Probably an introduced weed in cultivated areas, chiefly in disturbed soil in and about towns throughout the Philippines.

Heliotropium angiospermum (Murray)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: BoraginalesFamily: BoraginaceaeGenus: HeliotropiumSpecies: Heliotropium angiospermumCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0023
Heliotropium angiospermum has Erect herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial with branched stems, veiny opposite leaves, and curved terminal spikes of small white flowers. The genus name Heliotropium comes from the Greek helios, or “sun,” and trepein, or “to turn.” It refers to the belief that the plants turn their flowers toward the sun. The common name refers to the helicoid flower spikes that are reminiscent of a scorpion’s coiled tail.

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Vahl)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: VerbenaceaeGenus: StachytarphetaSpecies: Stachytarpheta jamaicensisCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0024
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is an erect and branched half-woody plant, 1 to 1.5 meters high. Stems are terete, the younger ones slightly angled. Leaves are elliptic to oblong-ovate, with pointed tips and toothed margins, the base decurrent on the petiole. The spikes are terminal, rather slender, 10 to 30 cm long, green, and continuous. The Calyx is small, oblique, and 4-toothed. Corolla is deep blue. The fruit is enclosed in the calyx, appressed to and somewhat sunk in the rachis, smooth, oblong. The chloroform extract showed more antimicrobial activity against gram-positive organisms like Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and B. subtilis. The chloroform and alcohol extracts showed antifungal activity against C. albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. (Meena et al. 2011)

Pteris cretica (L.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: PolypodiopsidaOrder: PolypodialesFamily: PteridaceaeGenus: PterisSpecies: Pteris creticaCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0025
Pteris cretica commonly known as the Cretan brake is a variegated green fern that has been widely distributed as an ornamental species.  It grows to 75 cm (30 in) tall by 60 cm (24 in) broad. It has arching pinnate fronds each bearing up to five pinnae. 

Clerodendrum thomsoniae (Balf.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: LamiaceaeGenus: ClerodendrumSpecies: Clerodendrum thomsoniaeCurator: Vivien Faye N. Herrera, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0026

Clerodendrum thomsoniae is a species of flowering plant in the genus Clerodendrum of the family Lamiaceae, native to tropical west Africa from Cameroon west to Senegal. It is an evergreen liana growing to 4 m tall, with ovate to oblong leaves 8–17 cm long. The flowers are produced in cymes of 8-20 together, each flower with a pure white to pale purple five-lobed calyx 2.5 cm in diameter, and a red five-lobed corolla 2 cm long and in diameter. The plant was named at the request of Rev. William Cooper Thomson, a missionary and physician in Nigeria in the 1870s, in honor of his late first wife. The leaves and flowers are pounded and applied to bruises, cuts, skin rashes, and sores. The macerated leaves are used as a shampoo to prevent scaling of the scalp and to get rid of dandruff.

Asystasia gangetica (T. Anderson)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: AsystasiaSpecies: Asystasia gangeticaCurator: Maegan M. Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0047
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. The dimensions of this flower are intricately designed for bee pollination- the purple-coloured lip is likely to serve as a conspicuous platform for the insect to land while the space is just large enough for a typical Asian honey bee to squeeze in. A. gangetica is a rapidly growing perennial, shrubby herb that grows to 1 m height and can be found along with roadsides, altered natural areas, cultivated areas, and riverbanks as well as in semi-waterlogged areas. 

Pseuderanthemum grandiflorum (Seem.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LamialesFamily: AcanthaceaeGenus: PseuderathemumSpecies: Pseuderanthemum grandiflorumCurator: Maegan M. Prado, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0052
Pseuderanthemum grandiflorum is a very rare plant with dark large leaves and blue/lilac unusual flowers. It is Orchid-like flowers consist of 5 unequal bluish to purple petals. Stalked flowers are arranged along 1 main axis in an inflorescence known as a raceme. The inflorescence is borne at the branch tips.  This species is easy to grow and has a moderately fast growth rate. It should be planted in well-drained, but moist soil that is rich in compost. Plants require a humid environment, so group plants together and mist frequently. They should be protected from strong winds. 

Persea americana (Mill.)

Kingdom: PlantaeDivision: TracheophytaClass: MagnoliopsidaOrder: LauralesFamily: LauraceaeGenus: PerseaSpecies: Persea americanaCurator: Jason Romeo E. Reyes, (2021)Collection Code: BSEDSCPP - 0054
Commonly known as the Avocado plant. It originates from Central America, it spread to many parts of the world due to its nutritional value and its fruit. It can reach a height of 30 to 40 feet and a spread of 25 to 35 feet. Its leaves have an elliptic or oval shape and are green in color, which usually reaches a length of 4 to 8 inches. The leaves are used for relieving coughs, lowering blood pressure, treating liver obstructions, promoting menstrual flow, and clearing high uric acid levels in the body. 

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