Balete tree from a Philippine forest, photographed in 1911
A balete tree near Tagkawayan in southern Luzon, Philippines

The balete tree (also known as balite or baliti) are several species of trees in the Philippines from the genus Ficus, which are broadly referred to as balete in the local language. A number of these are strangler figs, as they germinate upon other trees, before entrapping their host tree entirely and eventually killing it. Consequently the young plants are hemiepiphytes, i.e. epiphytes or air plants that grow several hanging roots which eventually touch the ground and take root. Some baletes produce natural rubber of an inferior quality. The Indian rubber tree, F. elastica, was formerly cultivated to some extent for rubber. Some of the species like tangisang-bayawak or Ficus variegata are large and could probably be utilized for match wood. The wood of Ficus species are soft, light, and of inferior quality, and the trees usually have ill-formed, short boles.[1]

List of species which shares the common name of Balete

Ornamental use

Baletes are planted as graceful trees along avenues in Manila and other large cities in the Philippines, and they are also excellent as shade trees.[4] Several species of the tree are also use for bonsai making in the country.[17][18]

Baletes are used as houseplants;[19] however, it is a source of indoor household allergens which may cause respiratory allergy.[9]

Local folklore

Balete Drive, allegedly one of the most haunted places of Quezon city, Philippines

In some areas of the country, some people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings (anito) like diwata, kapre or tikbalang. In some places, sorcery rituals are known performed inside the chambers formed by the tree.[20] Also among others, some superstitious folks suggest not bringing in balete as decorative plants inside a house as they allegedly invite ghosts.[9]

Balete Drive in New Manila, Quezon City, named after a gargantuan balete tree that used to stand in the middle of the street, is allegedly one of the most haunted places in the city. The tale of a white lady appears at night hailing cars that drive by has been circulated since the 1950s.[21]

Extreme examples

  • The balete tree inside the OISCA Farm in Lumapao, Canlaon, Negros Oriental, is estimated by botanists from Silliman University to be around 1,328 years old. It would take at least 42 men to encircle its trunk. At the heart of this wide tree trunk is a cavity where lizards, bats and many insects have made it their home. With fireflies lighting it at night like a year-round Christmas tree, it is one of the city's main tourist attractions.[22]
  • A balete tree locally called "Millennium Tree" in Barangay Quirino, Maria Aurora, Aurora province is claimed to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is estimated to be about more than 600 years old and 60 metres (200 ft) tall with its roots about 10 metres (33 ft) to 15 metres (49 ft) in diameter. It is possible for adult people to squeeze into the center of its root network.[23]
  • A 400-year-old balete tree in Barangay Campalanas in the Lazi, Siquijor is believed to be the oldest and the biggest in the province. The tree is noted for the spring that emanates from its base and flows straight into a man-made pool.[24]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Whitford, H.N., Bureau of Forestry. "The Forests of the Philippines, Part 2", p.30. Manila Bureau of Printing, 1911. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. 1 2 3 Merritt, Melvin L., Bureau of Forestry. "The Forests of Mindoro", p.42. Manila Bureau of Printing, 1908.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Bureau of Insular Affairs. "Compilation of laws and regulations relating to public lands in the Philippine Islands". p.181. Washington Government Printing Office, 1908.
  4. 1 2 "Ficus benjamina Linn." Archived August 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  5. ↑ (2011-02-08). "Balete (Ficus benjamina var. nuda)" Archived February 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. The Indi Journal. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Ficus benjamina (Linn.) var. nuda (Miq.)" Archived March 9, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. University of Hawaii at Manoa. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  7. ↑ Bonsai King (December 14, 2009). "Balete-Ficus concina". Bonsai Kingdom. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.
  8. ↑ "Ficus concinna (Miquel)". Flora of China. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  9. 1 2 3 Stuart, Godofredo. "Balete". Philippine Medicinal Plants. Retrieved on April 25, 2011.
  10. ↑ Botany Department (2003-02). "Ficus forstenii". University of Hawaii at Manoa. Retrieved on April 24, 2011.
  11. ↑ "Baleting-baging". Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Ficus Payapa". Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry.Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  13. ↑ Bonsai King (February 19, 2010). "Balete-Ficus philipinenses. Bonsai Kingdom. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.
  14. ↑ "Marabutan". Philippine Medicinal Plants. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Marabutan". Bureau of Plant Industry. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Balete – Scientific name: Ficus stipulosa Miq. Linn." Archived February 11, 2020, at the Wayback Machine. Filipino Herbs Healing Wonders. Retrieved on April 25, 2011.
  17. ↑ Bonsai King (February 4, 2010). "Bonsai Database". Bonsai Kingdom. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.
  18. ↑ "Bonsai in the Philippines" Archived September 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Bonsai in Asia Guidebook. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Ficus Plants—How to Grow Healthy Ficus Trees". Archived from the original on August 29, 2016. Retrieved September 3, 2012.
  20. ↑ Brillantes, RC (February 5, 2009). "The Mysterious Balete Tree". the green cloud. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.
  21. ↑ "Myths Surrounding Balete Drive". Philippine Insider. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  22. ↑ Austria, Kelly (December 7, 2010). "The Big Tree of Canlaon City". Follow My Trail. Retrieved on 2011-04-25.
  23. ↑ Gorospe, Marjorie (April 18, 2011). "Centuries-old balete tree attracts tourists in Aurora town". Yahoo News Philippines. Retrieved on 2011-04-25.
  24. ↑ Administrator. "The Old Enchanted Tree in Siquijor". Siquijor Tour. Retrieved on April 27, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Sightseeing - Nature Areas and Beaches". Discover Aurora. Retrieved on 2011-12-29.
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