Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa)

April 10, 2023

I’m beginning to see more and more local products using Banaba (𝘓𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘢), which is great because it has long been a traditional medicinal source for various communities in the country. I even saw a mall mural with Banaba flowers last week.

Banaba flower on mural SM North — Banaba flower on a mural at SM North. I believe this was done by Raxenne Maniquiz.

Banaba is native to Southeast Asia, and has been long known for its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The flower pedals have a texture similar to light, fragile crepe paper, hence one of Banaba’s common names: Crepe myrtle.

Banaba tree blooms in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.

The other week I noticed the Library Cafe in Malate selling Banaba Iced Tea. And lately my wife and I have been drinking tea using Banaba. The tea bags can be found at most Mercury Drug stores.

Banaba tea in glass from Gourmet Farms, Library Cafe — Banaba tea from Gourmet Farms, sold at Library Cafe, Malate.

Banaba tea bags — Banaba tea from Rita Ritz, found in most Mercury Drug stores.

Maybe one day every home will have a Banaba tree, helping urban ecosystems thrive with life and biodiversity.

What local and native trees grow in your neighborhood? How have some of them been utilized by your neighbors and Indigenous communities? These are our health heirlooms, passed down by generation, and germination.

Learn more about Banaba and more of our “forest friends” at the Haribon Foundation:
https://haribon.org.ph/support-our-work/rainforestation/forest-friends-of-the-philippines/meet-banaba/