Sxm Nights- Walking with Trees

Flora

Flora

Walking with the Trees

by Susan Campbell Throughout the ages, the trees of this island have inspired artists, sheltered and fed generations, provided unique products for export, and secured havens for entire ecosystems.

The early European settlers cleared much of the original hardwood forests of ­mahogany, silk cotton, white cedar, and lignum vitae for their timber and to make way for agriculture. Today, the second and third generations of trees consist of many different species typical of the West Indies, like coconut palms whose buoyant seeds have traveled to countless shores. However, there are some trees that definitely stand head and shoulders above the rest as intrinsically tied to this island’s unique identity, culture, and history. E

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Silk cotton tree at Lady Ruby Bute’s Silk Cotton Grove Gallery. Photo by Sasha

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Flora The flamboyant tree (also known as the royal poinciana and more colloquially as the flame tree) takes center stage as the national tree of both sides of the island.

It turns the tropical hills into a flaming sea of red and orange blossoming beau­ty from May until September. One of St. Martin’s best-known artists, Sir Roland Richardson, often pays homage to it on canvas.

The tamarind tree is also noteworthy for its orange blossoms, but its pods are more appreciated for their pulpy fruit, which is used to make the sweet and sour syrup popular in many West Indian dishes. The tamarind also holds a place in ancient folkloric superstition. Legend has it that the “jumbies” (unhappy dead spirits) come out to spook the living who happen to linger under its branches at midnight.

The guavaberry tree is very tightly tied to this culture since the famous guava­ berry spirit, the island’s national liqueur, is made from its tiny berries along with oak-aged rum and cane sugar. There are more guavaberry trees growing here than anywhere else in the world. E

Flora Guavaberry tree

Tamarind tree

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Top photo by Sasha. Bottom photo by Johan Larson

Flamboyant tree photo by Sasha

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Flora

Flora

The Hidden Forest of Loterie Farm in Pic Paradis boasts 135 acres of lush, tropical vegetation. Here you can wander through a towering 300-year-old mango plantation, see the breadfruit trees that infamous Captain Bligh left behind, and walk among verdant canopies of bana­ na, royal palms, silk cotton, cherry, and tropical pines.

Mangroves play one of the most im­ portant roles in the ecological health of this island. Nature foundations from both the Dutch and French sides have been working in tandem to ensure existing fo­ rests are well protected for generations to come as they act as virtual nurseries for new fish life and nesting areas for waterfowl.

Regardless of which beautiful boughs of this island you set out to discover, you are sure to agree with American poet Karle Wilson Baker who wrote, “Today I have grown taller from walking with the trees.” K

300 year old mango tree at the Loterie Farm Nature Reserve & Sanctuary

Caution! This Bark has Bite!

The Manchineel tree looks harmless enough, but its bark secretes a poisonous sap that causes a painful rash, and its sweet-smelling green fruit is highly toxic.

Never sit on one or take shelter under one when it rains. If you come into contact with this toxic tree, seek medical help immediately.

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Top photo by Sasha. Bottom photos left to right by Hans Hillewaert, Brett Charlton, and Paulina Lenting-Smulders

Hidden Forest at the Loterie Farm Nature Reserve & Sanctuary. Photo by Sasha

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