The Story of Our Calamansi Tree

History of Our Heirloom Calamansi Tree, Nang Mansi

Introducing to the Herbalaria Pamilya - Nang Mansi - our heirloom calamansi tree that has been in our family for three generations. 

Nang Mansi was planted by our Lola Esther in the early 80’s at the Pacificar home in Covina, California.  From a small plant, she grew to become the Mama plant of the Pacificar garden because of the importance of her fruit in our culture.  As a child, every morning Herbalaria Co-Founder, Gilbert, would watch his Lola looking out the window, admiring the calamansi tree, and enjoying her daily morning ritual of a buttered pandesal and coffee. 

Lola Esther was incredibly proud of her tree and the bountiful calamansi fruit Nang Mansi would bear.  When family and friends would visit the home, Lola Esther would always gift our guests with Nang Mansi’s fruits to take home to accompany their favorite Filipino dish.  To many, it became a tradition to be gifted calamansi fruit when visiting the Pacificar home. 

Nang Mansi was cared for by Lola Esther until her passing from cancer in 1988.  To honor Lola Esther’s memory,  Aunty Tessing took over the care of Nang Mansi and continued the tradition of gifting Nang Mansi’s fruits for many years.  

In the Fall of 2011, Gilbert and Lyn moved to East Hollywood and rehomed Nang Mansi to the Herbalaria garden, where she is cared for with much love and respect. We honor and carry on Lola Esther’s tradition of gifting Nang Mansi’s calamansi fruit to family and friends.