The Balete tree is a large, gnarled tree that grows in the Philippines.
It is part of the ficus or fig tree family. The Balete tree is also known as the "stranger fig" because it grows beside other trees and strangles them until they die.
The Balete tree is a hemiepiphyte, which means it germinates from seeds that birds spread to the cracks of a host tree. The Balete tree sends aerial roots down to the soil, which grow into additional trunks.
The Balete tree is believed to be enchanted and inhabited by spirits called encantos or encantados. People avoid the Balete tree because they fear being placed under a spell of misfortune. The Balete tree is also believed to attract thousands of insects and fireflies, which make it light up and come alive at night.
The Balete tree has a significant place in the folklore of the Philippines. Some varieties of the Balete tree are used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, headaches, and liver disease.
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