Summary Of the more than 8,000 species of flowering plants recorded for the Philippines, about 200 are indigenous or introduced fruit trees and shrubs that were domesticated and have gained popularity among Filipinos. Of this number, five are categorized as major fruits, since they contribute substantially to the country’s domestic and foreign markets. Among them are mango, banana, and pineapple. Considered minor or promising fruits are the 40 to 50 which have potential for development for local and foreign markets. Many of these are still abundant and widely distributed throughout the country. The less-known fruit trees, on the other hand, are of limited occurrence, and many are now rarely found even in their original habitats.
The following are some of the famous or promising indigenous Philippine fruits which may not be too familiar to the urban or young Filipino. Atibulknak (Rubs pectinellus Max.), Durian (Durio zibethinus L.), Huani (Mangifera odorata Griff.), Kalapi (Calamus ornatus var. philippinensis Becc.), Alupag-amo (Litchi chinensis So.. subsp. Philippinensis (Radlk.). Leenh.), Lipote (Syzygium curranti (C.B. Rob.) Merr.), Mabolo (Diospyros philippinensis Rolfe), Paho (Mangifera altissima Blco.), Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.), Rambutan (Nephelim lappaceum L.), Bating (Castanopsis philippinensis (blco.) Vid.), Bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) K. Spreng.), Dukban (Citrus sp.), Marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus Blco.)
