Top 20 Most Common Trees in Maldives

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Maldives

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 Sea hibiscus, known for its vibrant blooms, the resilient Red frangipani, known for providing shade and shelter in coastal areas, and the enchanting Banyan tree, 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.

Most Common Trees

Sea hibiscus

1. 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

6. 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.

Royal poinciana

7. 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.

Mentigi

Mentigi is a rare flowering mangrove tree that grows along sandy and rocky coasts. There are only a few species in mainland China, but it is more numerous on the country’s restricted offshore islands. Seeds and live plants are often cultivated as bonsai.

Golden shower tree

9. 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.

Glory bower

10. Glory bower

Glory bower (Volkameria inermis) can be found growing natively in Southeast Asia, India, Australia, and some Pacific Islands. Its evergreen branches can take the form of a bush or a climber. Its tough nature and good response to trimming make it a great selection for creating topiaries or hedges. The flowers are so fragrant that they often overwhelm other scents in the area!

Carambola

Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) is a tree that’s indigenous to lush and steamy regions of Southeast Asia. Another name for it is star fruit. People call it this because when you slice it in half, you’ll see an unmistakable star shape. Not only is the fruit tasty, but it also reportedly has health benefits.

Portia Tree

12. 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.

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.

Tropical almond

14. 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.

Tree-heliotrope

16. Tree-heliotrope

Tree-heliotrope (Heliotropium foertherianum) is a small, often very low-growing tropical tree which can withstand coastal wind and saline soil. Its easily worked wood is suitable for handicrafts, tools, and even the frames of goggles. In some places, it has been overharvested for use as firewood.

Kou

Kou (Cordia subcordata) is a tropical tree that is harvested in the wild for its wood that is used to make various woodcrafts. A dark dye is also obtained from the bark. This tree is also useful in agroforestry because of its dense growth and salt tolerance. It was given the common name "Kerosene tree" in Papua New Guinea due to its readiness to burn hard and fast -- even rubbing two sticks of its wood together will start a fire.

Oriental arborvitae

18. Oriental arborvitae

Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) is a small evergreen tree native to East Asia. Unlike many other plants, which share a "genus" family with many other species, the oriental arborvitae is the only member of the Platycladus genus. It is most often cultivated as an ornamental plant and a source of wood.

Bilimbi

Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi) is a small tree with edible but sour fruit. This fruit, which has large amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A, is used in Indonesian cuisine similar to tomatoes to give food a sharp tangy flavor.

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.

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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 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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Most Common Plants

In Maldives, you can find Beach naupaka, Common coconut palm, Devil's-backbone, Sea hibiscus, Poisonbulb, 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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