Examples of Vascular Plants That Easily Grow in the Philippines

Whenever you are looking for a plant that will be easy to grow in your area, it is always best to consider a native plant. In the Philippines, 30 to 40 percent of plant species are endemic to that country, according to the Flora of the Philippines Project (Herbarium Digital Library). Because of that, a wide variety of vascular plants (plants that have systems to transport water, minerals and sugars) can easily be grown in the Philippines.

Phalaenopsis

The phalaenopsis is an orchid genus that most people recognize by the long, arching stem, clustered with blooms. It is said to be the easiest of the orchid family to grow. Phalaenopsis Schilleriana is endemic to Luzon. The plant blooms in February with a multitude of lavender and pink flowers that will last for a week to 10 days. In the wild, this species of phalaenopsis grows in the forests in southern Luzon, near the towns of Lucban and Tayabas.

Jasminum Sambac

The common name of this familiar plant is Asiatic or Arabian jasmine and it is native to the Philippines. In fact, the sweetly scented flower of this jasmine, the sampaguita as it is called in the Philippines, is the country's national flower. It is used in religious ceremonies and the flowers are used in perfume and jasmine tea.

Areca Ipot

Also known as the ipot palm, this is another plant native to the Philippines, growing in the understory of the rainforest. The ipot palm will reach a height of 20 feet, and produces orange fruits in clusters. Unlike other palms with arching fronds, the ipot palm’s fronds point upward. The ipot palm is currently threatened with habitat loss in the Philippines.