Traveller's tree

Salisi, Balete, Benjamin's fig

Ficus benjamina
Moraceae

Stragging medium-size tree that grows to 15 m high. The leaves are glossy, 6 to 10 cm long. The figs are dark purple and 1 cm in diameter. It is a native of India, Malaya and the Philippines, where it is widley distributed. It is planted as a shade or ornamental tree. Balete is a generic name for many Ficus species.

It is widely planted in Alabang Hills, often pruned into various shapes.