List Headline Image
Updated by Joanna James on May 02, 2024
Headline for Botanical Beauty: Exploring the Flora of the Maldives - Explore the wonders
 REPORT
Joanna James Joanna James
Owner
5 items   1 followers   0 votes   1 views

Botanical Beauty: Exploring the Flora of the Maldives - Explore the wonders

Though Maldives is more than 90% water, it has its fair share of flora that you might want to keep an eye out for during a holiday there. To know more, read on!

1

Coconut Palms

One of the most visible plants on the island, coconut palms have become almost a trademark of tropical exoticness. These trees can reach up to a towering height of around twenty-five metres. The coconut is an integral part of Maldivian cuisine and is used in many staple dishes such as mas huni, which is a mix of fish, spices and shredded coconut flesh. The milk of the coconut is also used in many Maldivian curries. The King Coconut, a variety of coconut trees, also grows in the Maldives and is very popular among the locals due to the liquid that can be found within the nuts, called King Coconut water. This refreshing beverage is very cooling and great for hydration and is something you can enjoy every day when you stay at the best water villas in Maldives offered by the likes of Adaaran Prestige Water Villas.

2

Bread Trees

These trees are not an uncommon sight in the Maldives and form an important part of the Maldivian’s staple diet. The fruit of the bread tree, known as breadfruit, is used in local dishes such as Banbukeyo Bondibai and Banbukeyo Riha, or breadfruit curry. Ever wonder as to the origins of the name, Bread Tree? The trees were named such owing to the consistency of the fruit after it had been cooked, which was similar to that of fresh bread straight from the oven. The fruit is said to have a flavour similar to the potato.

3

Mangroves

These trees are the epitome of tenacity. Mostly found along the shores, in between the sea and the land, these plants straddle the line between both worlds. Their long roots burrow into the water for survival and these plants are one of the few land-based ones that can handle the high salt levels found in seawater. A true survivor, this one!

4

Bougainvillea

These colourful blossoms can be found on many an island in the Maldives in an array of hues ranging from a vibrant and healthy summertime pink to white and magenta coloured ones. The colour of this plant actually stems from the leaves, surprisingly enough, and not the flowers themselves, which are usually white in colour. This plant falls under the category of the thorny ornamental vine, and sports two kinds of leaves; the normal green kind that everyone is familiar with, as well as some more uncommon flower-like spring leaves, which surround its actual flowers. It is these spring leaves, which add the hallmark vibrant colour to the Bougainvillea. The Maldives are just one place where this plant can be found; Bougainvilleas are actually said to have originated in Brazil and other South American countries such as Peru.

5

Sea Hibiscus

This bright yellow flower is a lovely sight in the Maldives. Matching the wonderful sunsets and sunrises, this shade will bring joy to anyone who comes upon it during the holiday.