Top 20 Most Common Plants in Maldives

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Maldives

In Maldives, you can find Beach naupaka, Common coconut palm, Devil's-backbone, Sea hibiscus, Poisonbulb, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

Beach naupaka

1. Beach naupaka

Beach naupaka (Scaevola sericea) is a dense shrub that grows as high as 3 m tall. It grows in dry coastal areas in tropical climates. The fruit of beach naupaka floats and can germinate even after being in salt water for as long as a year.

Common coconut palm

2. Common coconut palm

Common coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is a broadleaf evergreen native to the Western Pacific tropical islands. In the United States, common coconut palm grows in Hawaii, Southern Florida, and Texas. This tree produces coconuts.

Devil's-backbone

3. Devil's-backbone

Devil's-backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a succulent species of spurge native to North and Central America. It has been planted in gardens since the 17th century and valued for its unique appearance and its habit of attracting hummingbirds. However, nearly all parts of this species are toxic and should not be consumed.

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Sea hibiscus

4. Sea hibiscus

Sea hibiscus (Talipariti tiliaceum) is a flowering plant species commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. The flowers of sea hibiscus are bright yellow with a red center. As the blossoms age, the flowers turn to a darker orange before falling off the plant.

Poisonbulb

Poisonbulb (Crinum asiaticum) is a bulbous perennial native to the Pacific Islands. It is toxic if ingested and caution should be exercised around this plant. Symptoms of poisonbulb poisoning include rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and fever.

Red frangipani

6. Red frangipani

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

Flame of the woods

7. Flame of the woods

The flame of the woods is a popular warm-weather garden shrub due to its versatility and unique, bright red leaves. It can be used as a hedge, in flower beds, or even grown as a small tree. The flame of the woods is also popular as a standalone patio plant because of its hardiness and distinctive appearance. The genus name, Ixora, was derived from a poorly transliterated rendition of the Hindu god, Shiva's name.

Chinese hibiscus

8. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Desert rose

Desert rose is widely cultivated as a houseplant or as bonsai for its beautiful flowers. As a succulent plant originating from the Sahara and tropical Africa and Arabia, it requires a minimum temperature of 10 ℃ to survive. Its sap was used to poisoning arrows in Africa.

Rubber tree

10. Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Banyan tree

11. Banyan tree

Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is a tree species that germinates in cracks and crevices of other trees or structures. Banyan tree grows by emitting aerial roots and forming a canopy. The banyan tree is the national tree of the Republic of India and has religious significance.

Chinese violet

12. Chinese violet

Chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica) is an erect or climbing plant that can grow to be 91 cm tall. It has weak, hairy stems. It is an invasive plant with seeds that disperse and spread aggressively. Chinese violet is native to Africa but grows on nearly every continent.

Pandan

Also known as the fragrant plant, pandan has a sweet, attractive fragrance. It grows as a perennial in Southeast Asia. It is often used in Thai and Asian recipes. The large leaves can be used as wraps, and paste and powder made from the plant are used to flavor desserts.

Sea randa

Sea randa is a small evergreen tree or shrub found in tropical areas all around the Pacific Ocean. It has a variety of uses by local peoples in its range. Sea randa's large leaves are utilized to wrap food and make hair dye. The flowers are useful for producing deodorant and perfume. And the wood is used in light construction, among other building purposes.

Indian Laurel

15. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Spider plant

16. Spider plant

The spider plant is a green perennial plant with long, thin leaves that earn it another name, "ribbon plant." It has spread far from its native Africa because it is easy to care for. Since spider plants grow well in partial or full shade, they have become popular houseplants.

Madagascar periwinkle

17. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Royal poinciana

18. Royal poinciana

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is also known as the “peacock tree” or the “flamboyant tree.” It’s a Madagascar native and is known for its brilliant crimson or red-yellow flowers. It grows exceedingly fast, reaching its maximum height of around 12 m in a short amount of time.

Dwarf umbrella tree

19. Dwarf umbrella tree

Dwarf umbrella tree (*Schefflera arboricola*) is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub native to China. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or a garden plant in milder climates for its decorative palmate compound leaves. The leaves contain calcium oxalates, which can damage internal organs when ingested. It shouldn't be confused with the Australian umbrella tree, *Schefflera actinophylla*.

Seawrack

Seawrack (Zostera marina) is a perennial aquatic seagrass that will grow to 91 cm tall. It blooms from summer to fall with inconspicuous flowers. The seeds ripen in fall. Edible leaves can be consumed raw or cooked and are sweet and crisp. Native Americans chewed the roots and leaves as a feast food.

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More Plants in Maldives

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Most Common Toxic Plants

The Maldives' tropical climate with its warm temperatures and high humidity creates an ideal environment for a diverse flora, including those with toxic properties. Despite its idyllic beauty, concerns arise over the prevalence of poisonous vegetation. Key toxic species present are , , and , which all thrive in this hospitable ecosystem. The local ecosystem's favorableness for such plants raises potential health risks for uninformed tourists and residents alike.

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Most Common Flowers

The Maldives, with its tropical climate and nutrient-rich soil, provides an ideal environment for a diverse range of native flowers. Among these, the , , and stand out for their vibrant colors and symbolic significance. These flowers add to the visual splendor of the region and play a crucial role in preserving the ecological balance. Reliable sources confirm the veracity of this information, ensuring a trustworthy account of the characteristic local flowers in the Maldives.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

Spring in the Maldives is marked by a gentle transition, with warmer air and delicate sea breezes nurturing a vibrant palette of flora. Among the season's colorful heralds, unfurls in vivid hues, embodying renewal. Similarly, blossoms, emblematic of tropical beauty, add to the archipelago's allure. Meanwhile, emerges, its bloom integral to local traditions, gracing Spring's arrival with its distinctive burst of color.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In the Maldives, Spring breathes life into a lush panorama, fostering a perfect cradle for a diverse array of fruit plants. During this season, the mild climate and gentle sun nourish , , and , which come into succulent ripeness. Locals celebrate the harvest of these vibrant fruits, each offering a taste that embodies the refreshing essence of the season and contributing to the archipelago's rich culinary and cultural tapestry.

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Most Common Fruits

The Maldives, with its tropical monsoon climate and fertile, sandy soil, provides an idyllic environment for the cultivation of indigenous fruit plants. Plants like , , and not only thrive in this setting but hold significant cultural value, often intertwined with the local customs and culinary traditions. These fruit plants contribute to the archipelago's biodiversity and play a key role in sustaining the dietary and economic needs of the inhabitants.

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Most Common Trees

The Maldives, with its tropical climate and sandy soil, provides a favorable environment for the growth of native trees. Among the iconic trees found here are the majestic , known for its vibrant blooms, the resilient , known for providing shade and shelter in coastal areas, and the enchanting , cherished for its medicinal properties. These trees have deep cultural significance, being deeply rooted in the island's traditions and playing a vital role in preserving the delicate ecological balance of the region.

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Most Common Weeds

The warm, humid climate and sandy soils of the Maldives create an ideal habitat for a variety of garden weeds. Among these, , , and are particularly common, flourishing in this tropical paradise. The pervasive spread of such weeds poses challenges for gardeners and landscapers, who must regularly combat their growth to maintain healthy, aesthetically pleasing environments.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Basking in a tropical climate nourished by monsoon winds, the Maldives supports a biodiverse ecology conducive to the growth of lofty trees. Among these towering plants, , , and stand tall, punctuating the skyline with their majestic canopies. These arboreal giants are not only visually imposing but serve as critical components of the local ecosystem and cultural heritage, symbolizing the organic grandeur of these island atolls.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in the Maldives is a serene and frosty season, but it also provides a haven for certain flowers that blossom in its cold embrace. Despite the chill, , , and brave the winter months, adding resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth to the island nation's landscape. These flowers showcase the surprising ability of nature to thrive even in the harshest of conditions.

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