352 WILD FOOD PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



Pangium edule is a tree reaching a height of about 25 meters 

 and a diameter of about 50 centimeters. The leaves are very 

 large, smooth, entire or lobed, pointed at the apex, and rounded 

 or heart-shaped at the base. The flowers are yellowish green, 

 have a faint odor, and are borne on compound inflorescences. 



This species is distributed from southern Luzon to southern 

 Mindanao. 



Family BEGONIACEAE ^ 



Genus BEGONIA 

 BEGONIA Spp. 



The acid stems of various species of Begonia are eaten as a 

 flavoring with meat and fish. 



Family ELAEAGNACEAE 



Genus ELAEAGNUS 



ELAEAGNUS PHILIPPENSIS Perr. AlingaRO. 



Local names: Alingdro (Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna) ; banaken 

 (Batangas) ; kamagsd (Laguna); lingaro (Rizal); mala-hnus (Negros). 



The fruit of this plant when ripe is sweet and edible. 



Elaeagnus philippeiwis is a shrubby vine with small, alter- 

 nate leaves, which are pointed at both ends. The lower surfaces 

 are thickly dotted with scales. The flowers are small and in- 

 conspicuous. 



This species is distributed throughout the Philippines and is 

 common in the northern provinces. 



Family SONNERATIACEAE 



Genus SONNERATIA 

 SONNERATIA ALBA Sm. Pedada. 



A description of this species and its local names are given 

 in the section on mangrove swamps. 



The fruit is slightly acid, is used as an article of food, and 

 also for making vinegar. 



Family COMBRETACEAE 



Genus TERMINALIA 

 TERMINALIA CATAPPA L. TalISAI. 



A description and figure of this species and its local names 

 are given in the section on resins, gums, and oils. 



The fruit is 3 to 6 centimeters long, somewhat flattened, ellip- 

 soid in outline, prominently keeled along the sides, and contains 

 an edible seed of good flavor. It is, however, difficult to extract 

 the seed from the fruit. 



