lobi-lobi
English: Translation
A perennial, erect-growing shrub reaching approximately 3 meters (about 10 feet) in height, endemic to Buhi, Camarines Sur. Its young leaf shoots are harvested as a vegetable and are most commonly cooked in coconut milk (natek-based preparations). Because it is perennial, it serves as a reliable year-round food source.
Part of Speech
noun
Semantic Domain
Plants, trees and other vegetation
Food, cooking and foodways
Scientific Name
Ficus pseudopalma
Morphology
Reduplicated in appearance, lobi-lobi is not analyzable into meaningful Boie’nen morphemes.
Interlinearization
lobi-lobi ROOT / Gloss: plant.name / Philippine fig; dracaena fig; palm-leaf fig.
Notes
Pronunciation: /ˈlo.bi ˈlo.bi/
Lexical Category: Noun (common noun; flora)
Morphological Status: ROOT (monomorphemic; lexicalized form)
Domain: Ethnobotany / Edible plants
🔎 Morphological Note
- LOBI-LOBI is treated as a single lexical unit.
- The apparent reduplication is non-productive and non-compositional.
🌱 Scientific Identification
Scientific name: Ficus pseudopalma
Family: Moraceae
Common English names: Philippine fig; dracaena fig; palm-leaf fig.
🍃 Cultural Note
In Buhi foodways, lobi-lobi holds quiet significance as a dependable leafy vegetable. Unlike seasonal greens, it is available throughout the year, reinforcing its role in everyday subsistence and coconut-based cuisine.
📚 Custom Field Coding
- Morphological Status: ROOT (monomorphemic lexical noun)
- Lexical Category: Common noun – plant
- Semantic Field: Edible perennial shrub
- Structure: Apparent reduplication (non-productive; lexicalized)
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