Flowers of the Philippines
From the wind-swept ridges of the Cordilleras to the rain-drenched forests of Mindanao, the Philippines harbors an extraordinary array of flowering plants, some delicate and ephemeral, others striking and enduring. This volume presents a visual and botanical journey through a thoughtfully curated selection of species, uniting scientific precision with artistic expression.
The collection features entries that span from familiar ornamentals to lesser-known native and introduced flora. Each plant is accompanied by finely rendered illustrations and succinct notes on taxonomy, morphology, habitat, and traditional uses. Organized by botanical classification, the volume offers a deeper understanding of the archipelago's ecological richness and cultural relationship with the natural world.
This book reveals the country’s remarkable biodiversity and longstanding bond with the plant kingdom, shaped by centuries of cultivation, ritual, and discovery, through the lens of Philippine flora.
Specifications
Hardback
165.1 x 241.3 mm
230 pages
201 illustrations
ISBN
Published
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Domingo A. Madulid
Domingo A. Madulid is one of the Philippines’ most distinguished botanists, whose lifelong work has significantly shaped the understanding, conservation, and documentation of Philippine flora. With a career spanning over five decades, he is recognized for his pioneering contributions to plant taxonomy, systematics, ethnobotany, and historical botany.
He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Pure and Applied Plant Taxonomy from the University of Reading, England, an M.S. in Biology from the University of Santo Tomas, and a B.S. in Botany from the University of the Philippines.
Dr. Madulid served as Scientist IV under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and was Chief of the Botany Division of the National Museum, where he oversaw the Philippine National Herbarium. He also taught as a Professorial Lecturer at De La Salle University, mentoring generations of students.
He has published over 200 scientific articles and 18 books, including A Pictorial Cyclopaedia of Philippine Ornamental Plants, A Dictionary of Philippine Plant Names, and an award-winning edition of Flora de Filipinas. Several plant species have been named in his honor. He is the founding President of the Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines and has led collaborative projects with institutions like the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the National Science Foundation.
His accolades include Book of the Year awards from the Manila Critics Circle, a Gintong Aklat Award, and the Gourmand World Award. He is currently working on the multi-volume Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants of the Philippines.
Dr. Madulid continues to advocate for botanical research in the country, urging young scientists to explore the richness of Philippine biodiversity. His legacy endures through his scholarship, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to Philippine botany.
Gizzele Delos Santos-Eustaquio
Gizzele Delos Santos-Eustaquio is a self-taught illustrator whose creative path began as a form of personal therapy and gradually flourished into a full-fledged career. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Manila Central University and initially worked as a licensed medical technologist in hospitals and laboratories. It was only later in life that she turned to art—a journey sparked by healing and sustained by passion.
Specializing in botanical illustration, birds, and food, Gizzele’s style is marked by realism and fine detail. Her art is deeply inspired by nature, particularly the flora that surrounds her—new blooms, dried leaves, and quiet seasonal shifts all find their way into her compositions. Her work reflects an intimate connection with the natural world and mirrors her own personal growth and resilience.
Watercolor is her primary medium, favored for its softness and subtle transitions, though she also experiments with colored pencils and ink to enrich her creative language.
Currently, Gizzele is exploring architectural illustration an exciting new direction that challenges her technical precision while expanding her artistic repertoire.
With a commitment to continuous growth, Gizzele remains dedicated to creating art that not only celebrates the beauty of the natural world but also inspires others to pause, observe, and reconnect with their surroundings.
