The Himbabao Plant

Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)

Abstract

Himbabao (Broussonetia luzonica (Blanco) Bur.; Moraceae) is a dioecious medium-sized shade tree reaching up to 15 m in height and with a 30 cm trunk diameter. Male and female trees are widely distributed in the Philippines though it is only in northeastern Luzon where the male inflorescence and young tender leaves are consumed as vegetables. Bulanglang, a soupy dish, is usually cooked with himbabao, sitaw and patani as main ingredients. The boiled male inflorescence contains 86.8 g water, 2.9 g protein, 0.9 g fat, 8.1 g total carbohydrates, 1.5 g fiber, 1.3 g ash, 52 cal food energy, 50 I.U. Vit A, 0.06 mg thiamin, 278 mg Ca, 75 mg P, 4.3 mg Fe and 300 I.U. carotene per 100 g edible portion. Aside from its culinary importance, the himbabao tree serves various ecological purposes such as erosion control, living fence/trellis, pioneer species for reforestation and agroforestry purposes, riparian (an area which is the interface between land and a river or stream) management, and urban greening. It is propagated by seeds or mature branch cuttings, and grows best in well-drained loamy or moderately fertile soil. The field for planting is plowed and harrowed, and seedlings are planted at 4 x 4 m spacing in a hole dug deep enough to protect the plant roots. Basal application of organic and complete fertilizer (14-14-14) is recommended upon planting. Succeeding fertilization is done at the onset and end of the rainy season. The trees should be well irrigated especially during the first planting season. Periodic ring weeding during its first year is necessary. Weeding should not be done during the dry season to prevent rapid evaporation of soil moisture. Biological control can be used against common pests like aphids, mites, white flies and larva lepidopterans. Branches that bear the flowers are cut to harvest the inflorescence. The initial capital to establish a one-hectare himbabao farm is PhP 84, 370 with net income of PhP 53,130.00 or about 63% return of investment (ROI).