Low-growing, spreading vegetation suitable for the Philippine climate plays a vital role in landscaping and gardening. These plants create a living carpet across soil surfaces, suppressing weeds, preventing erosion, and moderating soil temperatures. Examples include creeping fig, Philippine jasmine, and various species of ferns.
Utilizing such vegetation offers numerous advantages in the archipelago’s diverse environments. These benefits range from aesthetic enhancements, like adding texture and color to gardens, to practical functions such as reducing water runoff and improving soil health. Historically, indigenous knowledge of local flora has influenced the selection of specific plants for ground cover based on their adaptability and utility within particular regions.