Exploring the Fascinating World of Plants

Discover the remarkable benefits and diverse effects plants have on the environment and human health. From the natural healing properties of various herbs to the important role of greenery in improving air quality, our videos delve into how plants contribute to a sustainable and healthy future. Watch to learn more about the vital connection between plants and well-being.

BANI TREE

Scientific Name:
Pongamia pinnata
Etymology:
Latin Pongamia, from the Malabar plant name, pongam; Latin pinnata, referring to the species’ pinnate leaves

Do you have a large garden or a spacious yard that receives a lot of sunlight? Consider planting a Bani tree! Its sweeping canopy can serve as shade during hot summer months.

The Bani tree produces oil-rich seeds from flowers. The extracted oil is used to produce biofuels, lubricants, and cosmetics. Its wood, on the other hand, is used for furniture-making. The leaves and seeds are used as natural fertilizers.

CORAL TREE

KARAPDAP

Scientific Name:
Erythrina crista-galli
Etymology:
Erythrina is from the Greek ‘erythros’ (red): an allusion to flower color; crista-galli from the Latin ‘gallus’, rooster, and ‘crista’, crest = cock's comb.

The Coral tree produces the most resilient seeds on the planet. Imagine passing through the digestive tracts of birds and animals unharmed!

The seeds are extremely buoyant and can float for up to one year. Eventually, they will wash up on fertile tropical grounds, where they will take root and adapt to the environment.

FISH POISON TREE

BOTONG

Scientific Name:
Barringtonia asiatica
Etymology:
Latin Barringtonia, after Hon. Daines Barrington, English naturalist; Latin asiatica, Asian; referring to the natural distribution of the plant.

Beware! All parts of the Fish Poison tree are poisonous, with the active poisons including saponins. The Box Fruits are potent enough to be used as a fish poison.

The seeds are ground into a powder and used to stun or kill fish for easy capture. The process suffocates the fish while leaving the flesh unaffected.

PRIDE OF INDIA

BANABA

Scientific Name:
Lagerstroemia speciosa
Etymology:
The genus Lagerstroemia was first described by Carl Linnaeus. The name Lagerstroemia recognizes Magnus von Lagerstroem, a Swedish naturalist and a merchant who provided specimens from the East for Linnaeus.

The Pride of India is native to Southeast Asia, particularly India. It is also known as "Garcinia" or "Bahurach" and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in treating cough, fever, and respiratory issues.

The fruit of the Pride of India is edible and is used to make jam, jelly, and wine.

PERFUME TREE

YLANG-YLANG

Scientific Name:
Cananga odorata
Etymology:
Genus Cananga is derived from the Tagalog name "Ilang-ilang" and refers to the perfume produced from the fragrant flowers. Species odorata means fragrant or sweet-scented.

Did you know that ylang-ylang is considered an aphrodisiac because of its captivating fragrance, often described as exotic and sensual?

When inhaling it, you’ll notice the bright, fresh notes — hints of banana, jasmine, and magnolia. As time passes, the fragrance deepens, revealing warmer, spicier undertones.

The most potent ylang-ylang fragrance is released at dawn when the flowers are freshly opened.

Exploring the Fascinating World of Plants

BANI TREE

CORAL TREE

FISH POISON TREE

PRIDE OF INDIA

YLANG YLANG