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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Cuba

Cuba's climatic conditions, characterized by tropical and subtropical regions, along with its fertile soil, provide a favorable environment for the growth of various indigenous trees. Among the most emblematic trees in this region are Seagrape, Royal poinciana, and Geiger Tree. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within Cuba, serving as important sources of timber, medicinal properties, and habitats for diverse species. Their presence in the Cuban landscape highlights the rich biodiversity and environmental importance of the country.

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Most Common Trees
Seagrape
1. 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.
Plant Height:
8 m
Royal poinciana
2. 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.
Plant Height:
8 m to 12 m
Mango tree
3. 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.
Plant Height:
10 m to 20 m
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Geiger Tree
4. 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.
Plant Height:
8 m to 9 m
Calabash tree
5. Calabash tree
In some areas, the dried fruit of the tropical calabash tree is used to make coffee cups and musical instruments such as maracas. Artisans paint the gourd-like fruit to sell to tourists and fisherman use them to carry fish.
Plant Height:
8 m to 9 m
Guava
6. 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.
Plant Height:
8 m to 13 m
Shaving Brush Tree
7. Shaving Brush Tree
Shaving Brush Tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum) is a winter deciduous tree native to the tropics. It is named for its blossoms, which resemble a shaving brush and bloom in spring. While the tree can grow from 4.5 to 9 m in its natural habitat, it typically reaches 61 to 152 cm in a container.
Plant Height:
6 m to 9 m
Papaya
8. 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.
Plant Height:
6 m to 10 m
Tropical almond
9. 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.
Plant Height:
35 m
Upland Cotton
10. Upland Cotton
Upland Cotton (*Gossypium hirsutum*) is the most commonly planted agricultural cotton. An annual to perennial shrub whose large yellow to white cup-shaped flowers bloom in summer. Flowers are replaced by the cotton boll which contains the cotton fiber and about 36 seeds. Grows best in full sun and in clay sandy or loamy well-drained soil.
Plant Height:
60 cm to 1.5 m
Gumbo limbo
11. Gumbo limbo
Commonly known as the gumbo limbo, the Bursera simaruba tree grows to about 30 m tall with a shiny dark red bark with spirally arranged leaves and pinnate with 7-11 leaflets. It produces a small, three-valved capsule with a single seed as the fruit which birds seek out to feed on. The gumbo limbo is believed to be one of the most wind-tolerant trees and is planted to provide wind protection for crops and roads.
Plant Height:
30 m
Peacock flower
12. 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.
Plant Height:
3 m
Autograph tree
13. Autograph tree
Autograph tree (Clusia rosea) is indigenous to tropical regions of America. It has a nasty tendency to grow on top of and strangle other plants. Unlike most other plants, it can absorb carbon dioxide during nighttime hours, as pineapples and jade plants do. It’s called the autograph tree because its leaves are so hard, you can carve into them.
Plant Height:
7 m to 20 m
Corn plant
14. Corn plant
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”
Plant Height:
4.5 m to 15 m
Yellow oleander
15. Yellow oleander
Yellow oleander is extremely toxic and many cases of accidental poisonings have been recorded. The toxic oils found in this plant are sometimes used in pest control measures. However, the Cascabela thevetia does have significance in some religious ceremonies, specifically the worshiping of Shiva, a Hindu deity.
Plant Height:
1.8 m to 2.5 m
Golden shower tree
16. Golden shower tree
Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a plant that is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is at its peak during the middle of the summer. Golden shower tree is both the national flower and tree of Thailand. The Latin name "Cassia" comes from "Kassia", which means "fragrant plant." It holds a sacred place in scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Plant Height:
15 m
Rubber tree
17. 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.
Plant Height:
20 m to 40 m
Aroma
18. Aroma
Aroma (Dichrostachys cinerea) is a legume species as known as sicklebush, Bell mimosa, Chinese lantern tree and Kalahari Christmas tree. Aroma is native to Africa, the Indian subcontinent and North Australia. This species is a serious invasive species problem in Cuba.
Plant Height:
2.5 m to 7 m
Poinsettia
19. Poinsettia
The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.
Plant Height:
60 cm to 4 m
Banyan tree
20. 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.
Plant Height:
20 m to 30 m
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More Plants in Cuba

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Cuba's tropical climate, characterized by ample rainfall, high humidity, and warm temperatures, fosters a rich biodiversity that includes a variety of toxic plants. These conditions are conducive to the prevalence of species like , , and , which thrive in such environments. While the lush vegetation of the island enhances its allure, it also raises concerns due to the presence of plants with harmful properties.

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Most Common Flowers

Cuba's tropical climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for the growth of native flowers. Among the most characteristic blossoms are , , and . These flowers showcase the visual beauty of Cuba's natural environment and hold symbolic and ecological importance. Detailed information on each flower is omitted in this summary. Trustworthy sources confirm the presence and significance of these local blooms.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring breathes new life into the diverse landscape of Cuba, a symphony of colors emerges with the blooming of vibrant flowers. The warming sun and nourishing rains awaken , , and , each adding a unique hue and symbolizing the island's rich flora. These blooms not only signify the season's arrival but also play a crucial role in local traditions and ecosystems.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In Cuba, spring ushers in a symphony of vibrant flora, with balmy breezes and nourishing rains nurturing an array of burgeoning fruit plants. Among the verdant foliage, , , and reach their peak, offering fresh, sun-kissed bounty that is central to both local cuisine and daily sustenance. This season's harvest is a testament to the island's fertile soils and abundant sunshine, encapsulating the very essence of renewal and abundance.

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Most Common Fruits

Cuba's tropical climate, enriched with well-drained fertile soils and a favorable long growing season, cultivates a variety of local fruit plants. Among the prominent ones, , , and stand out not only for their adaptability to the local climatic conditions but also for their cultural significance, often ingrained in the Cuban heritage. These fruits contribute not just to the country's diet but also to its economy and social traditions.

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Most Common Weeds

Cuba's warm, tropical climate and regular rainfall create the perfect conditions for a wide variety of garden weeds to flourish. Among the most common are , with its aggressive root system, , known for fast growth and resilience, and , which can easily dominate domestic gardens. These weeds are a constant challenge for gardeners and landscapers who strive to maintain plant diversity and cultivated spaces.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Cuba's warm, tropical climate combined with its varying landscapes - from rolling hills to expansive plains - nurtures a diversity of arboreal giants. Amidst this natural splendor, species like , , and stand as sentinels of the skies, their lofty canopies offering ecological havens and a living testament to the island's rich botanical heritage. These towering trees do not just dominate the skyline but also play a pivotal role in sustaining the local flora and fauna.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Cuba may bring a serene cold, but it also welcomes the brave blossoming of certain flowers. Despite the frosty environment, , , and make their mark. These resilient blooms showcase both beauty and symbolic depth, adding a touch of color to the winter landscape of Cuba. Rest assured, this information is accurate and will guide you through the stunning winter flora of the region.

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Most Common Plants

In Cuba, you can find Flame of the woods, Seagrape, Chinese hibiscus, Royal poinciana, Crown of thorns, 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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Identify grow and nurture the better way!
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