Bauhinia malabarica
Family: Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae
Common Name: Alibangbang is Ilokano for butterfly
Origin: indigenous to the Philippines
Reference: Philippine Native Trees 101 Up Close and Personal
- Bauhinias have distinctive bi-lobed leaves and are known in English as Butterfly Tree
- Several non-native Bauhinia species have been introduced in the Philippines such as Bauhinia purpurea and Bauhinia cultivar ‘baleana’
- The group was named after two 16th century botanist brothers, Jean and Gasperd Bauhin.
- It is a small tree growing up to 15 m
- It has yellow flowers
- young leaves are eaten as a side dish, used to flavor meat and fish
trees and shrubs
Tonji and Sylvia's Wildlife Refuge 
i WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE USE OF THE WOOD AS A PRODUCT? THE WOOD IS RED IN COLOR AND CAN IT BE HARVESTED FOR HOUSE FLOORING? OR FOR FURNITURES?
Hi, it’s a small tree. I think it’s too small to be used for flooring or furniture. According to the site Stuarxchange, the bark, leaves, and flowers are “considered digestive, antidysenteric, emmenagogue, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, pectoral, stomachic, anthelmintic, antiperiodic.” So common uses are food and medicine.
Procedure in Alibangbang seed germination, please!, we have seeds of alibangbang tree.
Hi Eduardo, thanks for visiting my site!
I asked in one of my plant groups and this is the response I got from a very experienced plant enthusiast: “Hi Sylvia, in my experience it germinates readily so long as the pods are dry when you get them from the tree or pick them from the ground. No special attention required.”
Good luck and I hope you’re successful with your plants!
Hi good evening! May I ask where in particular can I find Alibangbang tree? Thanks!! It’s for research purposes.
Hi, May I know if this is a fast growing tree? If so, how long to achieve its full height.
Hi, it’s quite fast growing. I’m not sure though how long it takes. I tried potting wildings and they grew so fast! They were ready to plant in the ground in a few months.
alibangbang shoots (young leaves) can be used as souring agent (pampaasim) for sinigang.
Where can I buy Alibangbang seedlings or tree
Hello, can I feature your alibangbang pictures in the book I am writing? I am willing to pay whatever you deem is right. Thanks.
Hi, I have Alibangbang tree in my farm but I do not have photos.