Before joining the next tree-planting activity, here’s a question worth asking: Is the tree you’re planting native—or invasive?
That is the warning being raised by Sangbayan PH, a grassroots youth organization based in La Union that promotes civic engagement, literacy, environmental stewardship, and leadership development.
In a Facebook carousel released for Philippine Environment Month, the group challenged the common assumption that planting more trees automatically helps the environment.
The campaign, titled “Philippine Most Invasive Trees,” warns that several of the country’s most familiar and widely planted trees are actually invasive alien species that can displace native vegetation and reduce biodiversity.
“Akala natin kapag madaming puno, okay na ang kalikasan,” Sangbayan PH wrote in its post. “Pero alam mo bang marami sa mga sikat at paborito nating itanim sa bansa ay mga Invasive Alien Species?”
The educational carousel highlighted ten species commonly found across the country:
- “Big-Leaf Mahogany” (Swietenia macrophylla)
- “Yemane / White Teak” (Gmelina arborea)
- “Ipil-ipil / Leadtree” (Leucaena leucocephala)
- “Acacia Mangium” (Acacia mangium)
- “Buyo-buyo” (Piper aduncum)
- “African Tulip Tree” (Spathodea campanulata)
- “Kakawate / Quickstick” (Gliricidia sepium)
- “Rainy Tree / Monkey Pod” (Samanea saman)
- “Paper Mulberry” (Broussonetia papyrifera)
- “Lantana / Wild Sage” (Lantana camara)
Each art card explained the species’ origins, how they spread, and their impact on local ecosystems.
Among the examples cited was the famous mahogany forest in Almeida, Balaoan, La Union. While admired for its scenic beauty, Sangbayan PH said mahogany can suppress the growth of other plants through chemicals released by its fallen leaves, creating what ecologists often describe as an ecological desert.
The group also pointed to species such as African tulip tree, paper mulberry, and buyo-buyo, which can spread aggressively and crowd out native vegetation.
The carousel concludes with a reminder that not all green spaces are ecological success stories.
“Hindi lahat ng berde ay ‘green flag’ sa kalikasan,” the group wrote.
Instead of exotic species, Sangbayan PH encouraged communities to prioritize native Philippine trees such as narra, molave, and kamagong during reforestation and greening efforts.
The campaign was conceptualized by Phillip Jerome Posas and illustrated by Jerald Mendoza.
For Sangbayan PH, the goal is simple: save native forests by planting native trees.
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