Philippine spinach
Broussonetia luzonica

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 15 m tall and the trunk is 30 cm across. The leaves are alternate, pointed at the tip and rounded at the base. They are 5 to 15 cm long. The lower surface of the leaves is very hairy. The flowers are very small and borne on very long slender spike-like flowering branches.

The Moraceae are mostly in the warm areas of the world.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. They occur from northern Luzon to Basilan and are common in secondary forests. It thrives in sunny positions. It can grow in soils of average fertility.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Hawaii, Pacific, Philippines (country/location of origin), SE Asia, USA

How it is used for food

The flowers and young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are boiled and eaten with roasted fish. The ripe fruit is sweet and eaten raw.

It is a cultivated food plant. It is considered delicious.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or from cuttings of mature branches.

Its other names

Local names

Alokon, Allukon, Ame, Babayan, Baeg and alukon, Balong-kadios, Himbabao, Himbaba-o, Malambingan, Tuktukgo

Synonyms

Allaeanthus glaber Warb.; Allaeanthus luzonicus (Blanco) Fernandez-Villar; Broussonetia luzonica var. glabra (Warb.) Corner; Broussonetia luzoniensis Blanco; Morus luzonica Blanco;