Alibang-bang is one of the most well-known native trees in the Philippines, as its name appears in our popular folk song "sitsiritsit alibang-bang." This tree is common in Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Ilocos Norte, where it is called by different names such as Albangbang, Alibang, Balimbamban, and Kalibangbang.
Alibang-bang is a small tree that can only reach a height of 8-10 meters. It is also well-known for its heart-shaped leaves that also resemble the shape of a butterfly. However, despite its beautiful looks, the leaves of the Alibang-bang tree have a bitter taste, which is why its leaves are widely used as a food ingredient or in Tagalog "pangpaasim" in our famous cuisine called Sinigang.
DID YOU KNOW?
The word/name Alibangbang is an Ilongo word for butterfly.
Alibang-bang is called "Butterfly Tree" in English because of the shape of its leaves.
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