Knowing the 4 wild fruits in the Philippines

Not too many people know that the Philippines are abundant not only with tasty, tropical fruit trees but also with wild fruit trees. 

Ironically, most of these wild fruits are not found in the wild but are found and grown in densely populated residential areas such as in the backyard and even along the roads. And contrary to the popular belief, most of these fruits can be eaten without having to worry about fruit poisoning. 

These wild fruits are favorite among Filipino children because aside from the excitement of racing to get these fruits, they are also good to satisfy a hungry stomach. 

Below are just some of the wild fruits found in the Philippines: 

Aratiles/cherry trees

Aratiles are fruit-bearing wild trees found mostly in residential areas. Its fruits are favorite for birds and children alike. Its fruits’ color differs depending on the ripeness of the fruits. 

Aratiles fruits are very small, soft, and sweet. Ripe fruits are colored pink and turn red when very ripe. Children can easily reach and get their fruits as these trees normally won't grow tall. 

Unlike other trees, Aratiles grows its branches horizontally and spreads its branches several meters radius. 

In the Philippines, Aratiles grow everywhere usually in the backyard, open areas, and even along the road.

Sarali 

The Sarali are tall trees measuring many meters high. The Sarali is surrounded by thorns making it difficult to climb for children, but their desire to get its fruits would not mind how difficult it would be so as long as the reward is the tasty fruits.

Its fruits are small, round resembling those of grapes. The fruits are color green but turn purple and soft when ripe. Its fruits have many seeds inside. The fruits are not so sweet, but enough to provide enjoyment to children and at the same, they satisfy one’s hunger.

These sarali trees usually grow in the backyard or in areas along with other trees. In the market, sarali fruits are sold in plastic containers or in kilograms depending on the seller's preference. 

Lomboy 

This fruit tree grows big and tall. Its fruits are colored purple when ripe. When ripe, the fruits are sweet with ink-like fluid when squeezed. 

Lomboy fruits are bigger than sarali fruits. Unlike sarale fruits, Lomboy fruits are not round. Lomboy fruits are sold by the container. 

Its price is cheaper compared to other fruits. In the countryside, apart from its purple, tasty, juicy fruits, the Lomboy trees also have other usages. 

To the elderly, the dead Lomboy leaves can be a good substitute for commercial cigarettes. The dead leaves are sun-dried, rolled, and lighted. It’s a good, free substitute for cigarettes. 

Bugnay/Bignay 

Bugnay is a low-growing fruit tree measuring about four-five meters. Among the Philippine wild fruits, bugnay/bignay fruits are one the smallest fruits. 

Unlike wild trees, Bugnay/bignay trees grow in the wild with other trees. Its fruits are small and of different colors such as green, pink, orange or red when it is very ripe. 

Honestly, when I was a child, I have not eaten bignay fruits because I was afraid it contains poisonous substances. In the Philippines, some people, especially children, eat ripe bignay fruits. 

The beauty of this tree is it is a low-growing tree that its fruits can easily be reached by children. 

Talisay fruit

The Talisay trees have big, wild leaves and their branches grow horizontally, covering a wide area. 

In the Philippines, Talisay trees have cultural significance to the Filipinos for one reason - it is believed to be the dwelling places of smoking black giants (kapre in Tagalog and agta in Boholano and Cebuano), white lady and aswang or witches. 

Despite its terrifying association with supernatural beings, Talisay trees also have their uses such as providing shades to the people during hot days. 

Filipinos take shelter under these Talisay trees from the extreme heat of the sun. The Talisay fruits are edible, though the edible part of the fruit is just very small. 

Its edible part is covered by a thick covering. But before you can eat the fruit you need to break open its hard, thick covering. Talisay woods also have many uses like furniture, chairs, tables, and walking. 

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Samuel A. Escabarte

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