Morphotaxonomic verification of the ‘balunos’ vine used in the artisanal budbud salt of Miag-ao, Iloilo, Philippines

Vernacular names and folk classifications play a central role in how local communities recognize and transmit plant knowledge. The traditional budbud salt from Miag-ao, Iloilo uniquely uses extract from the balunos vine to enhance color, flavor and crystallization, yet the plant’s uncertain identity may hinder conservation efforts and intergenerational cultural transmission. Through morphological characterization, this study verifies balunos taxonomically and documents its ethnobotanical significance and cultural implications on the dying budbudan practice. Morphological markers identified balunos as Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng., a previously undocumented taxonomic attribution and novel ethnobotanical utilization. To date, no records have been found of plant extracts being used directly in artisanal salt-making worldwide, suggesting this study may be the first documented account of the practice. Historically bartered between asinderos and indigenous harvesters, balunos procurement is now limited to a single provider—rubbing salt into the wound and adding threats to budbud salt’s survival. Resolving this ambiguity safeguards artisanal quality and preserves biocultural heritage by linking indigenous nomenclature to precise taxonomy, as plant names carry cultural heritage but biodiversity loss imperils intergenerational knowledge. Verification of balunos bridges traditional practice with scientific taxonomy, reinforcing budbud salt’s authenticity. Further phytochemical analysis, expanded comparative ethnobotanical surveys, extensive cultural mapping, and mainstreaming to promote biodiversity conservation and cultural identity are recommended.