.

Banaba (Lagerstoemia speciosa) — this is an attractive tree that is considered the perfect roadside
planting. Its root system can control erosion on slight slopes and it’s a showy tree with bright purple
flowers.

2. Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis) — National Artist for Landscape Architecture IP Santos used this small
tree in his early designs. It is a great tree to use as screen planting because of its dense foliage.

3. Bani (Milletia pinnata) — this medium-sized tree is a great roadside choice with a nice habit of growth
and silhouette. Its lilac and pink flowers make it really attractive.

4. Ilang-Ilang (Cananga odorata) — this small tree is perfect if you want to mask the otherwise smelly
parts of the city. Chanel No. 5 uses the extract from ilang-ilang.

5. Alibangbang (Bauhinia malabarica) — the small tree has good structure and can be used is a variety of
urban settings.

6. Banuyo (Wallaceodendron celebicum) — called the “honey tree” the banuyo has yellow blooms. It is
useful for erosion control for risk-prone coasts and rivers. It is also salt-tolerant.

7. Dita (Alstonia scholaris) – this tree can grow to 50 meters, although in urban setting slightly shorter. It is
an ideal street tree. It is now planted along both sides of the renovated Ayala Avenue.

8. Anahaw (Saribus rotundifolius) – I add two palms to this list as not all situations can accommodate
trees. The anahaw is a beautiful palm to line avenues and create alleys with.

9. Manila Palm (Adonidia merrilii) — slightly shorter than the anahaw, the Manila palm is perfect for parks
and as an accent ornamental because of its bright red cluster of fruits.

10. Molave (Vitex parviflora) — this is a tough tree and suitable for coastal areas too. Many are familiar
with President Manuel L. Quezon’s directive — “I want our people to be like a molave tree. Strong and
resilient, standing on the hillside and unafraid of the rising tide, lighting and the storm, confident of their
strength.”