Hello and Goodbye

Sweet-smelling cow

Here's a recap of the highlights of our last escapade: Had the time of our lives, experienced those sweet-smelling cows, experienced the scent of fresh manure, tasted the good and yum cow's milk, learned all about those sweet-smelling cows, studied more about bulls and did we mention sweet-smelling cows? Anyway, right after that mellow experience, we were brought to yet another venue. This time it was twice the epic excitement the cattle scene was. 

We got to go to the Institute of Plant Breeding!! (Oh yeah, we forgot to tell you...our dates insisted that they come along..............)


HELLO plants!

Ok, moving on to the Institute, we know, it might think it sounds a little boring. We were equally doubtful at first but, take the time to stay with us... 

The first time we got there, we all expected pretty much the same things - learn how plants reproduce, how they're classified, and of course, about plants themselves! But that was simplistic of us to think so. Before we tell you about the plants, let us introduce you to the amiable lady we met, Ma'am Marlyn. She was really interesting because she took the time to discuss topics that were fun and, yes, educational for us. She was really knowledgeable about plants - a real expert. Also, she was so caring and nurturing to plants, it was like watching a mother doting on her baby.

We were all quite swept away by what we learned about how plants are so critical to us and how the experts found creative means to address the ecological challenges like shortages.Gabbie, for instance, was amazed that the institute developed a substitute for rice to be consumed by Filipinos nationwide in response to the shortage. 

Not so CORN-y substitute

This is the CORN. 

It was explained to us that there are different types: the white corn, the quality protein corn and the yellow corn. White corn is being eaten in Visayas and also in Mindanao. So now they promote it in the Philippines due to rice shortage. Quality protein corn, as the name suggests, is very rich in protein which we all need. The last one, the yellow corn, was explained to have much more keratin. Did you know that it had more of the 'corn taste' compared to the rest? By now the question possibly bugging your minds would be: Why choose corn? The answer is brief and simple: Corn stays in the stomach longer compared to rice. Thus, people do not get hungry easily. 

We, the SDJS, as we were there, intently listening and writing down the notes of the speaker, noticed many types of other plants. Thanks to Caitlin, e were provided with helpful facts on the plants we encountered such as the fiber crops (Abaca), root crops (Cassava) and even tomatoes!

THE CASSAVA

Cassava is very rare in places of South America. It is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions. It has edible, starchy tuberous roots, which our a major source of carbohydrates. Mostly know as a woody shrub, of the Spurge Family (Euphorbiaceae) or Manioc/Yuca as the common name for it. In field of Science, its' mostly known as Manihot esculerita, a scientific name for it. 


KINGDOM- Plantae; DIVISION- Angiosperms; CLASS- Eudicots; ORDER- Malpighiales; FAMILY- Euphorbiaceae; GENUS- Manihot; SPECIES- Manihot esculerita

THE CHINESE HIBISCUS

Rainbow Brite!

The Chinese Hibiscus is as its name states, found in China or East Asia. This is mostly called the China rose or Shoe Flower. A scientific name for it is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Its evergreen and is a flowering shrub amazes us all. It comes in many different colors. Its used for hair care and as salads in the Pacific Islands which means its edible and even yummy as a salad. 

KINGDOM- Plantae; DIVISION- Angiosperms; CLASS- Eudicots; ORDER- Malvales; FAMILY- Malvaceae; GENUS- Hibiscus; SPECIES- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

So before we get any hungrier after all that talk on rice, corn and salad, allow us to bid you farewell for now.

Bye-bye!

P.S. -- If you must know, we also bade our goodbyes to each of our make- believe dates....for good.