Macaranga grandifolia

Description

Macaranga grandifolia is a species of plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. Common names for this plant include Nasturtium Tree, Parasol Leaf Tree and Bingabing. It is endemic to the Philippines and has been widely cultivated in Hawaii as a tropical ornamental. This plant has become very popular garden ornamental in many parts of the tropics for the extraordinary grandiose leaves, which are rounded-ovate in shape, with prominent, reddish veins and the stem attached towards the center of the leaf blade. The flowers are pinkish red and the males are held in coral-like, congested inflorescences. The leaf ash was eaten as a cure for enlarged bellies. Twine made from the bark and the wood was used for fishing spears. The leaves were used to wrap food. Birds eat the ripe fruit.