Bauhinia malabarica
CAESALPINIACEAE. Indigenous. Limited distribution
SIZE: Up to 10m tall and stem to 50cm diameter
TYPE: Deciduous
HABITAT: Ilocos to Laguna; in areas with distinct dry season at low altitude, rarely found above 300m.
The alibangbang tree should not be confused with the flighty insect that has been immortalized in three kundimans (Chitchiritrit, Ohoy Alibangbang and Alibangbang). This tree played a great role in Philippine history. During World War II, Filipino and American soldiers who were on the Death March from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac subsisted on the leaves of the alibangbang trees planted along the roadside.