The Balbalusa is considered a native of Adams, Ilocos Norte. It is a member of the eggplant family with sharp spines on the surface of its leaves, perhaps a protective mechanism from foraging animals. Seeds that were obtained from Adams earlier this year are now growing very well and producing small round fruits at the Sarian Farm in Teresa, Rizal.

By the way, Mary Ann Wu shares that her husband who is a Taiwanese uses Balbalusa as liver detox by boiling the roots and stems. She runs her farm in Sto. Tomas, Baangas where she grows papaya, ornamental plants and salad greens. She also runs a garden supplies store at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.