Balete tree (also known as balite or baliti) are several species of the trees in the Philippines from the genus Ficus, commonly referred to locally as balete.Â
A number of these are known as strangler figs wherein they start upon other trees, later entrapping them entirely and finally killing the host tree. Also called hemiepiphytes, initially, they start as epiphytes or air plants and grow several hanging roots that eventually touch the ground and from then on, encircling and suffocating the host tree.Â
Most great folk tales in the Philippines include the storyteller mentioning the infamous tree known as the Balete (Ficus Indica), which is consistently associated with both magical and nightmarish entities. With its massive height, haunting appearance composed of large twisting roots that seem to be strangling its own trunk, it certainly casts a foreboding shadow to passersby. The Balete is an easy target for anyone to start their own horror tale.
Regardless of physical appearance, trees are quiet noticeably mentioned throughout our own mythology and lore. Some are associated with engkantos and other nature spirits while others plays a vital role in the shamanistic/animistic culture of our Babaylan. Perhaps more than just a source of physical materials such as wood, paper and even medicine, trees can also provide impalpable treasures that we must learn to conserve and protect. — Guzman, Daniel. “Down the Roots of Mystical and Sacred Trees in Philippine Lore.” THE ASWANG PROJECT, 1 Mar. 2017.
Art ✍️  Armand Serrano for the 2007 movie “Surf’s Up”. Serrano is an Independent Production Designer and Visual Development Artist and has previously worked at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Sony Pictures Animation.Â
