The Lignum vitae is native throughout the Caribbean and northern South America. This tree is very long living and was used for ship building and construction for centuries. Taino Indians used it to build their dwellings.
The photo below was taken from the Caneel Bay overlook while the tree was in full bloom.
Photo by Eleanor Gibney
Photo by Dan Clark
Turpentine tree (Bursera simaruba)
The turpentine or gumbo limbo tree, sometimes called the tourist tree because the bark is red and peeling, is common from Florida to northern South America. It is named after the resin it produces which has been used to treat many ailments. This tree is extremely drought tolerant.
Photo by Dan Clark
Jamaican caper (Capparis cynophallophora)
The Jamaican caper is a small night flowering tree found in moist or dry forest areas.
Photo by Dan Clark
Wild frangipani (Plumeria alba)
The frangipani can be found in coastal thickets in the Virgin Islands. The flowers are white with a small yellow center and are extremely fragrant.
Photo by Dan Clark
Fiddlewood (Citharexylum fruticosum)
This small to medium sized tree produces bright red berries. The glossy green leaves and white five petal flowers clusters make this a nice landscape tree.
Photo by Dan Clark
Strongbark (Bourreria succulenta)
This tree grows to around 28 feet tall and produces white flowers and orange fruit. The showy flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. This is a native, low maintenance and drought and salt tolerant making it great for landscaping.
Photo by Dan Clark
Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera)
Seagrape trees are found throughout the Caribbean and are an important species. This hardy tree protects the coastal areas from erosion and storm damage with its sturdy roots. The tree produces white flowers in spiky clusters and bunches of grapes. It propagates by seed or cuttings. It makes an excellent landscape plant producing sturdy hedges and nice shade trees when planted in rich soils.
Photo by Dan Clark
Tyre Palm (Coccothrinax alta)
The Tyre palm is the only remaining native palm. It was used in traditional basketry, fish traps, brooms and roof thatching. These trees prefer moist habitats.
Photo by Christy McManus
Wattapama (Poitea florida)
This small tree is native only to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Island. There blooms are a glorious lavender purple blooming after strong spring rains.
Last updated: October 28, 2021
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Contact Info
Mailing Address:
1300 Cruz Bay Creek
St. John,
VI
00830
Phone:
340 776-6201
Headquarters/Visitor Center phone contact Information. Visitor Center hours Monday-Thursday 8:15 to 4:00 and Friday 8:15 to 1:30.