On this page, we'll explore the beautiful Flora and Fauna of Aruba, consisting of unique landscapes, vibrant flowers, and the fascinating creatures that call this island paradise their home. From the towering cacti that dot the Caribbean terrain to the mesmerising and distinctive ‘Divi-Divi’ Aruba trees, you'll discover the island's natural beauty. Join us on a journey to learn more about the captivating biodiversity that makes Aruba a truly special place.
Aruba’s Flora
Aruba, known for its arid climate, is home to a surprising variety of plants and animals. Aruba's distinctive trees, the Divi-Divi and Fofoti, have fascinating shapes, shaped by the constant trade winds. They are both iconic symbols of the island. Additionally, Aruba is rich in cacti like the Prickly Pear, Agave and Aloe Vera, which have adapted to the arid conditions, showcasing nature's resilience. Join us as we explore the intriguing mix-up between these iconic trees and the captivating beauty of Aruba's natural world, where cacti and unique flowers contribute to the island's unique charm.
Aruba’s crooked tree: the Divi-Divi tree
The Divi-Divi (also known as Watapana) tree, a fascinating emblem of Aruba, captures the essence of this island's unique flora. With its picturesque, windswept silhouette, this tree has become an iconic symbol of the island. Its scientific name, Libidibia coriaria, is quite a mouthful, but it's commonly known as Divi-Divi due to its distinct shape. These trees are famous for their characteristic slanted trunks and branches, shaped by the constant trade winds that blow across the island. They not only serve as natural compasses, always pointing southwest due to the wind's influence, but also provide valuable shade in Aruba's sunny climate.
Beyond their distinctive appearance, Divi-Divi trees have practical uses as well. The pods from these trees contain tannin, which is used for tanning leather. In addition, the Divi-Divi's leaves and bark have traditional medicinal applications. They are known for their astringent properties and have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. This tree's deep cultural and ecological significance makes it an integral part of Aruba's landscape. The Divi-Divi tree is just one example of the diverse and intriguing flora that adds to the island's allure, making it a truly remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.
The Fofoti tree: another leaning tree
The Fofoti tree, a captivating member of Aruba's natural wonders, holds a special place in the island's heart. Scientifically known as the " Conocarpus erectus," this tree is often called "Fofoti" because of its distinctive, whimsical shape. Its twisting and contorted branches appear to dance gracefully in response to the constant trade winds that sweep across the island. These winds have molded the Fofoti tree's unusual form, making it an iconic emblem of Aruba. Not only does it provide a striking visual contrast to the island's flat landscapes, but it also offers precious shade to escape from the scorching Caribbean sun.
Fofoti trees and Divi-Divi trees, both found on the stunning island of Aruba, often get mixed up due to their similar, distinctive appearances and their roles as iconic symbols of the island. The biggest difference is that Fofoti trees often grow on the coastline, on one of the many beautiful white beaches. Meanwhile, the Divi-Divi tree grows on a lot of places across the island.
Aruba’s flowers
Aruba boasts a vibrant tapestry of Flora and Fauna with lots of distinctive, beautiful flowers. Besides, because of the climate, you’ll find a lot of cacti on the island. In Aruba, cacti are the resilient and iconic flora that thrive in the island's arid environment. They play a vital role in the local ecosystem and are a symbol of adaptability and endurance.
The national flower of Aruba is the Wanglo flower, also known as the Tribulus Cistoides. They often can be found along the coast of the beatiful beaches on Aruba, or on open spots throughout the island. Besides the Wanglo flower, there are a lot of cacti in Aruba. One of the most prevalent cacti on the island is the Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia). Its flat, paddle-shaped segments are covered in spines and produce vibrant yellow or orange flowers in season. These cacti are not only visually striking but also provide a source of food as their fruits. Another notable cactus is the Agave. These striking, rosette-shaped succulents have spiky leaves and are known for their impressive flower stalks that can shoot up to extraordinary heights. Aloe Vera is another prominent desert plant. This succulent is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is commonly used for soothing sunburns and other skin ailments. Aruba even has its own Aloe Vera production industry, where the plant's healing properties are harnessed. These cacti and succulents have adapted to Aruba's arid climate, and they are a symbol of the island's tenacity and the ability to find life even in the harshest conditions. They contribute to the unique and captivating character of Aruba's flora.
Fauna in Aruba
Aruba's fascinating fauna is a testament to the island's unique natural world. Despite its arid climate, the island is home to a variety of wildlife that has adapted to these challenging conditions. One of the most iconic creatures is the Aruban Whiptail Lizard, often cald Aruban Iguana. These agile reptiles can be spotted throughout the island, showcasing their distinctive blue heads and vibrant patterns. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the Aruban Burrowing Owl, a charming, pint-sized owl that lives in underground burrows and is a symbol of Aruba's conservation efforts. Additionally, Aruba's coastal areas are havens for colourful fish and coral reefs, making the island a fantastic spot for snorkelling and diving. Though the island's terrestrial and marine life is more modest compared to other lush destinations, Aruba's unique blend of resilient and well-adapted creatures adds a special charm to its ecological diversity, providing a fascinating experience for nature enthusiasts.
If you want to enjoy all the landscapes and beautiful Flora and Fauna Aruba has to offer, you should definitely pay a visit to Arikok National Park – which is a home to lots of unique attractions and cultural heritage sites.
