I’ve been to Batad twice, one on July 2008 and the recent was just this April 2011. On both my trips, I found these 3 floras that are unique to a person that grew up in the city such as me.
1. The Dotted Leaf (Unknown Name)
This leaf got my attention with its 5-centavo-sized-nipple-like features. When you look below you’ll see orange spots on where the features can be seen.
It may just be a plant disease but its uniformity along the leaves of the plant makes me think that it is natural to the plant.
I saw this when I went to Batad on July 2008. Unfortunately, the area where the plant was located is already being developed into a road. But I’m still hoping to see this plant on other locations of Batad in my future visits.
2. The Thousand Dragon’s Nail (Jade Vine)
I saw this when a local was passing by carrying the flower. It reminded me of a spiked-metal ball with a chain used in the Gladiator movie. Unfortunately, I never got to see the whole plant and I never got the name of the flower.
Photo by Maki Romulo Bajit
Update: The name of the Flower is Jade Vine. For more information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strongylodon_macrobotrys
Thanks to Amihan and The Pinay Solo Backpacker for the information.
3. The Hairy Balls (Bulala)
I saw this fruit near Rita’s Mount View Inn. I quickly looked for a local and asked what the fruit is called, they answered Bulala. I asked what does it mean and they all laughed out loud. Apparently, it means bayag or the male testicle.
If you touch the fruit, it’s actually hollow inside. It made me think if this was really a fruit or was it another form of its flower.
It’s not only the beautiful sceneries that makes me want to travel, but also this little bits of details that are unknown to me and are waiting for me to discovered. Unfortunately, “developments” on different locations in the Philippines are slowly eradicating unique things such as these.
If you happen to know the names or some information about the plants, please let me know via the comment thread so that others would also gain knowledge.
A travel blog by Josiah Sicad that aims to make Filipinos Travel Responsibly and observe the unique culture of the Philippines. 
all of the plants have a kung-fu theme!
the first one is on the forehead of shaolin monks
the other two are cool weapons.
You have a fun, cool and wild imagination. Thanks Carrie!
ganda.. mukhang masarap mag-survey ng plant species sa batad.
Masarap din makipag-usap at maki-halubilo sa mga locals dun. Dun mo malalaman na sobrang yaman ng kultura nila.
Josiah, I finally know the name of the vine, it is called Jade Vine. Very rare vine mostly found in mountainous areas.
I am proud we have it in Batad! thank you for this article!
Thanks Amihan for the information of the Jade Vine. Rare pala siya and it naturally grows somewhere in Batad. astig!
haha amazing! ang tindi! tlagang napansin mu yang mga yan.
yeah, the 2nd flower is called Jade vine, saw lost of them in Cameron Highlands dun sa flower garden at my name tag sila na Jade vine. =)
haha ang gaganda naman kasi ng mga halaman dun, kapansin-pansin talaga.
Maraming salamat sa information on the Jade Vine.
interesting post Josiah, trip ko din mag hanap ng mga unique plants while trekking, kahit mga mushrooms di ko pinalalampas sa pagkuha ng pictures
Thanks Claire. I’m glad isa rin sa mga trip mo ang paghahanap ng mga unique plants. Hoping to see some of those picture on your future posts.
You keep finding interesting stuff! The dotted leaf can be a awesome ornament inside the house
Thanks Gaye.
pls dont make it into ornament. i will have goosebumps everywhere. haha… even looking at it makes my hair all stands up.
photo 1– looks like a fern. the “studs” are sori (contains the spores of the plant). it’s listed as a monarch fern in http://www.stuartxchange.com/MonarchFern.html. hope this helps.
Thanks Maria. This is a big help.
Hi Joshua & Readers,
The dotted Leaf can be seen also as
wild plant in Eastern Samar. I read
the best TREKKING TOUR ever from
http://www.philboards.com titled: Trekking
Tour in Eastern Samar June 27, 2008 by Milay. In case you do this adventure, kindly name the names of
the big trees, flora & fauna. Only
Filipinos can do this because they
are indigenous. The beauty of Eastern Samar, you do not have to
sacrifice sleeping in the forest,carrying along heavy backpacks
I think, you just study the nearest
Municipality, then trek the whole
day, drive to the next Municipality again, till you finish your desired lengh of travel. The Beaches are also walking distance from the National Highway.
For Trekkers, Nature and Beach Lovers, “It’s More Fun in Eastern
Samar!!!”