Top 20 Most Common Trees in Samoa

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Samoa

Samoa's climatic conditions, characterized by tropical rainforests and humid weather, provide a favorable environment for the growth of native trees. Among the emblematic local trees, Hong Kong orchid tree, Tropical almond, and Papaya stand tall. These trees hold great cultural and ecological value in the region, providing resources such as timber, food, and medicinal properties. Their significance in Samoan culture is evident in various aspects of daily life, traditional practices, and conservation efforts.

Most Common Trees

Hong Kong orchid tree

1. Hong Kong orchid tree

Hong Kong orchid tree (*Bauhinia blakeana*) is a beautiful flowering tree that will grow from 6 to 12 m tall. Branches grow up and out to form a spreading canopy of grayish green leaves. Large, orchid-like flowers bloom during summer, fall, and early winter. These 15 cm-long blossoms range in color from purple, rose, and pink to make a showy display. Grows in full sun to partial shade.

Tropical almond

2. 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.

Cocoa tree

Cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) is the plant used to make chocolate. Its seeds, called cocoa beans, are processed into all kinds of chocolate products. The plant is native to tropical parts of the Americas and has been introduced as a cash crop around the world. Part of its scientific name comes from Greek and means "food of the gods."

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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.

Foxtail palm

5. Foxtail palm

Foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurcata) got its name because of its exceedingly fluffy leaves that are vaguely reminiscent of a fox’s tail. Since this is a tropical plant, it thrives best in humidity and full sunlight. The species remained undiscovered by non-indigenous people until 1978, when an aboriginal Australian brought it to notice.

Pomelo

Pomelo (*Citrus grandis*) is a greenish, tropical and subtropical fruit originally that is larger than any other citrus fruit on the planet (thus the species name - 'grandis'). Though it is the ancestor of the commonly cultivated grapefruit (citrus x paradisi), the pomelo has a thick, hard-to-peel rind and doesn’t have a lot of juice. Nevertheless, it is commonly eaten in Southeast Asia.

Star apple

Other names for Chrysophyllum cainito (*Chrysophyllum cainito*) include purple star apple, golden leaf tree, and milk fruit. The fruit is delicious, especially when served chilled. However, it not only tastes good, but it also has potent antioxidant properties. They call it “bobi wata” or "breast milk fruit" in Sierra Leone.

Rose of sharon

8. Rose of sharon

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub with trumpet-shaped pink, lavender, or white flowers. Although it was first collected by Western botanists from Syrian gardens, “rose of sharon” is native to south-central and southeastern China. Because of its hardiness and prolific blooming, it is cultivated all around the world. It is the national flower of South Korea, mentioned in its national anthem.

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.”

Parasol leaf tree

10. Parasol leaf tree

The parasol leaf tree (Macaranga tanarius) is found in Asia and Australia in disturbed rainforest, where it grows as a pioneer species. It is grown as an ornamental tree, as well as in bush regeneration.

Ponytail palm

11. Ponytail palm

The ponytail palm is a popular houseplant with a bulbous stem and a cascade of leaves that resemble a ponytail. The ponytail palm isn’t actually a palm tree, but a succulent member of the agave family. These plants are easy to grow and forgiving. They thrive in bright indirect light and drier soil.

Rain tree

The rain tree(Albizia saman) is a giant among trees and can easily reach up to 24 m tall in its lifespan. In an act of self-protection, it will curl in its leaves whenever they're not useful, during periods of rain, clouds, and even just at night! It makes durable lumber with a distinctive, wavy grain pattern. Parts of this tree are toxic, so use caution!

Breadfruit

Breadfruit (*Artocarpus altilis*) is a tree grown in numerous locations around the world for its edible food, which is a staple in various countries. Breadfruit is native to New Guinea, the Malibu Islands, and the Philippines.

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.

Sea hibiscus

15. 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

16. 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.

Yellow trumpetbush

17. Yellow trumpetbush

Although the yellow trumpetbush have beautiful and bright flowers that can be pleasing to look at, this plant is considered an invasive weed in multiple countries. A native of the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru and Ecuador, this plant is often found on roadsides, riparian areas, disturbed sites, and other wasteland areas.

Himalayan Fishtail Palm

18. Himalayan Fishtail Palm

The himalayan Fishtail Palm (*Caryota maxima*) is a fast-growing evergreen tropical tree named for its leaves that are shaped like a fish's tail fin. It can live from 40 to 100 years and blooms small, inconspicuous flowers, with male and female on the same tree. The plant produces a black drupe-like fruit that is toxic. It thrives in full sun or partial shade.

Vanuatu fan palm

19. Vanuatu fan palm

Vanuatu fan palm (Licuala grandis), as indicated by the name, is a small palm tree native to the island of Vanuatu. Today it can be seen in many tropical locations around the world. Its large palm fronds stand out as seemingly oversized for the trunk. Vanuatu fan palm grows best with partial sunlight and moist soil in a tropical environment.

Round-leaf fountain palm

20. Round-leaf fountain palm

Round-leaf fountain palm is an elegant palm tree named for its almost-circular, spiked leaves ("rotundifolia" means “round-leaved” in Latin). This is a popular evergreen ornamental that attracts bees and birds to the garden. It has further ecological value as a food plant for the caterpillars of butterflies such as Suastus gremius and Elymnias hypermnestra.

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Samoa's warm, tropical climate with its fertile volcanic soil provides ideal conditions for a diverse range of flora, including toxic species. Due to ample rainfall and humidity, such environments can be hospitable to potentially harmful plants. While a comprehensive inventory of toxic flora is extensive, caution is warranted with species such as , , and , which are noted for their presence in the region.

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Most Common Flowers

Samoa's tropical climate and fertile soil create an ideal environment for a rich diversity of native flowers. Among the most characteristic blossoms are , , and . These flowers not only add visual beauty to the landscape but also hold great symbolism and ecological importance in the region. Trustworthy sources confirm the existence and significance of these indigenous blooms in Samoa's floral paradise.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the balmy Spring breezes sweep across Samoa, a kaleidoscope of floral hues bursts forth, heralding the season's arrival. Among the first to bloom are , their petals synonymous with new beginnings. The striking vibrancy of flowers graces gardens with a symphony of colors, while the culturally significant unfurls, meshing tradition into the island's natural tapestry. Each flower not only embellishes the landscape but also embodies the rejuvenating spirit of Spring in Samoa.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Samoa unfurls with a gentle warmth, coaxing the lush landscapes into a vibrant crescendo of greenery and blossoms. During this bountiful season, , , and reach the peak of freshness, offering their succulent gifts to the island's inhabitants. These mainstays in the local diet embody the rejuvenation that Spring brings, marking a time of abundance and celebration in the Samoan archipelago.

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Most Common Fruits

Samoa's warm tropical climate and volcanic soil provide a nurturing ground for an abundance of local fruit plants. Its ample rainfall and year-round warmth are particularly suitable for species like , , and . These fruit-bearing plants are integral to Samoa’s culture, offering both nutritional value and economic sustenance to the local communities. They stand as symbols of the island's rich biodiversity and agricultural heritage.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled in the lush Pacific, Samoa's humid tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create an ideal environment for arboreal giants. Towering above the diverse canopy, , , and are sentinel species of these verdant forests, standing as both ecological cornerstones and testaments to the island's natural heritage. Their soaring heights are not just visually arresting but play a pivotal role in sustaining the complex forest ecosystem, entwined with Samoa's rich cultural lore.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Samoa is known for its serene cold, where frosty environments unexpectedly become a haven for certain flowers. During this season, three specific blooms , , and brave the chill and grace the landscape with their resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth. These winter flowers add a touch of vibrant colors and fragrances to Samoa's winter scenery.

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Most Common Plants

In Samoa, you can find Hong Kong orchid tree, Song of india, Black raspberry, Cardboard palm, Purple amaranth, 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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