About Homalomena philippinensis Engl.
Homalomena philippinensis Engl. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Araceae family. It is native to the Philippines and Orchid Island, which is part of Taiwan. This plant grows from an underground corm, and produces large heart-shaped leaves that bring the plant to a total height of around 1 meter (3.3 feet). It typically grows at low elevations, most often in forests and along bodies of water. It has several common local names, including payau or payaw, alupayi or alopayi, salet, and tahig. Homalomena philippinensis is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. When crushed, its leaf petioles give off a sweet scent similar to chewing gum. In the Philippines, the leaves of this species are used in folk medicine, and also as wrapping for food in local cuisine.
