This week I was planning on doing a post about our top local coffee spots, but yesterday I went on a little road trip and for some reason felt myself drawn to some of the beautiful flora and fauna that grows here.
The land of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and on Providenciales in particular, is pretty arid and you do not find the same abundance of lush plant life that you may find on other Caribbean islands. Nevertheless, there is certainly some beauty to be found, and as I’m sure that it is frequently, and often quite correctly, argued less is more.
Bamboo
To be honest, despite the fact that it is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, bamboo doesn’t grow particularly well here, maybe because of all the sea salt in the air and the rock-like quality of the ground.
So, when we do see it growing so abundantly, as it is in this picture, we stop and take note. I love its simple, zen-like quality.
Bamboo is a member of the grass family and is used frequently in Caribbean decor and furnishings.
Desert Rose
This stunning little plant is an evergreen succulent and is native to tropical regions; it thrives in our humidity.
Notice the contrast between the delicacy of the luminous pink and white flowers and hardy, twig-like stems.
Fan Palm
Now here is a dramatic palm tree! I found this one outside IGA Gourmet; the main supermarket in Grace Bay.
Due to the strong winds that we frequently experience during hurricane season, it can be challenging to grow fan palms here. So, you often find them, like this one, positioned against the side of buildings to afford them some protection.
I think they make an excellent decorative statement and wished that people would take a little risk with them more often.
Cordyline
I love the Cordyline quite simply for its vibrant colour. A lot of the plants here are green, so any pop of colour really attracts the eye and makes a statement. These are just perfect.
Coconut Palm
Last, but most certainly not least, is the mighty coconut palm: the bearer of my favourite food.
These trees can be found all over the Caribbean and its fruit is an essential part of the daily diet of the people who live here and, increasingly, those who live all over the world.
The trees can grow up to 30m high and in the most fertile land can produce up to 75 coconuts per year, though around 30 is more commonplace.
Fact: did you know the word coconut comes from 16th century Portuguese and Spanish cocos, meaning ‘grinning face,’ from the three small holes on the coconut shell that resemble human facial features?
This particularly handsome specimen was found in the lush grounds of Point Grace Resort.
Wow!! The photographs are really amazing. I remember seeing these natural beauty in Turks on my last visit. I had a great time there. Simply enjoyed the serenity of the islands. It was the best vacation ever.
Hi! Thanks for stopping by; it’s great to hear from someone who has visited TCI. We really are all so very lucky to have a chance to experience such a beautiful place; the island itself is hoppin’ right now with people who have come to do just that.
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