Top 20 Most Common Trees in Barbados

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Barbados

Barbados, with its warm and tropical climate, along with rich soil conditions, provides an ideal environment for the growth of various indigenous trees. Among the most emblematic local trees are the Seagrape, Red frangipani, and Tropical almond. These trees hold great cultural and ecological value in the region. They play a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and contributing to the overall natural beauty of Barbados.

Most Common Trees

Seagrape

The seagrape is native to tropical coastal areas in America and the Caribbean. It has many uses, including dune erosion control and ornamental plantings. The sap has been used for dyes and the wood is occasionally used for furniture. On some beaches, the seagrape is planted to help block the light from nearby buildings so that sea turtles won't be distracted by it and go off course.

Red frangipani

2. 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.

Royal poinciana

3. 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.

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Tropical almond

4. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Peacock flower

8. Peacock flower

The peacock flower, Barbados' national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.

Bridal bouquet

9. Bridal bouquet

Bridal bouquet (Plumeria pudica) is an evergreen tropical tree that features unusual spoon-shaped leaves and is known for its flowers. Unlike other plumerias, these blooms do not have any fragrance. This tropical tree grows in full sunlight and requires well-drained soil.

Surinam cherry

10. Surinam cherry

The fruit of the surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora) is edible, but only after it has ripened to a deep, blood-red color. The seeds, however, should be avoided. Surinam cherry is cultivated ornamentally around the world, in both shrub and tree form.

Soursop

Soursop (*Annona muricata*) is a tropical, evergreen tree that can grow up to 9 m tall. It produces the guanabana fruit, which ripens from mid-summer to mid-winter. The fruit is a spiky green pod with an aroma that smells like pineapple and tastes like a combination of strawberries and apples. The sweet yet sour fruit has a texture similar to that of a banana. The fruit can be eaten ripe or used to make juices and smoothies.

Guava

Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.

Spiny fiddlewood

13. Spiny fiddlewood

Spiny fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) is a tree native to southern Florida in the United States, as well as the Caribbean and northern South America. Blooms all year with semi-showy spikes of flowers. Prefers moist, well-drained soils and does not tolerate salt water or salt spray.

Geiger Tree

14. Geiger Tree

Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena) is an evergreen tropical tree whose stiff, dark green leaves have a rough, sandpaper-like texture. It produces clusters of dark orange flowers, most in spring and summer, followed by edible fruit. It grows in sandy, salty, dry soil and does well in warm, coastal regions.

Tamarind

Tamarind is a monotypic perennial tree grown for its timber and edible fruits. Tamarind trees yield brown seed fruits with a sweet, acidic pulp used in various varieties of cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish.

Java apple

Java apple is an evergreen tree that produces edible red fruits. The fruits are alternately known as 'wax apples' for their waxy appearance and turn bright red once they ripen. In Malaya, they are used to make sauces and are stewed with regular apples.

Portia Tree

17. Portia Tree

Portia Tree (Thespesia populnea) is a tropical, evergreen tree valued for its rich, dark wood. Commonly found growing in coastal areas. Thrives in full sun with moist but well-drained soil. It is drought, wind and salt-tolerant. Edible leaves and fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. The bark, roots, leaves, flowers and fruit have been used medicinally.

West indian mahogany

18. West indian mahogany

West indian mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) is a hardwood tree can grow to be 9 to 34 m tall. It is an ecologically valuable tree with water purification properties and the ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. It is native to South Florida and attracts butterflies, insects and a variety of bees. This species produces green flowers and brown fruits or seeds. It provides food and shelter for a large variety of wildlife.

Apple of Sodom

19. Apple of Sodom

Apple of Sodom, or Calotropis procera, is an extremely poisonous plant. The fruit of this plant ripens and bursts, causing the seeds to scatter. In Jamaica, the fibers inside of the fruit are collected and used to stuff pillows.

Cannonball tree

20. Cannonball tree

Cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis) is a tropical tree known for its large, unique, fragrant blossoms and cannonball-shaped fruit. As the fruits ripen, they may fall onto unsuspecting people below.

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As Spring unfurls its warm embrace in Barbados, nature responds with a symphony of blossoming flora. The rising temperatures and sun-dappled days act as a catalyst for vibrant flowers to emerge. Crucial to this season's tapestry are , whose hues ignite the landscape, , symbolizing the island's resilience, and , adding a touch of whimsy and fragrance. These blossoms are not just aesthetic delights but also pivotal in maintaining local biodiversity.

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Most Common Plants

In Barbados, you can find Pepper, Golden pothos, Heart of jesus, Flame of the woods, Maize, and more! There are 50 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.

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