Bayleaf/Botán Palm Read More »
This fan palm is the traditional thatching palm of Belize. The one shown is a young tree, from which fronds can be easily harvested. As it grows older, it becomes a rather large tree and is called the Botán Palm, with dense wood that is sometimes used in building.
Bayleaf/Botán Palm Read More »
Achiote or Annatto Read More »
Also known as the Annatto and Lipstick Tree, this evergreen shrub grows 6’-24’ tall, with fragrant pink flowers between November – January, which become heart-shaped fruits about 2” long filled with bright orange-red seeds.
Achiote or Annatto Read More »
African Tulip Tree Read More »
Native to East Africa, this gorgeous tree grows to over 100’ in height, and has enormous clumps of red-orange flowers. It is also a terrific pest in tropical areas.
African Tulip Tree Read More »
Ceiba Tree, Kapok Tree Read More »
The Ceiba tree was the sacred Tree of Life in ancient Mayan culture, with roots going down into the Mayan Underground, the trunk representing the Middle, or visible, World on earth, and the canopy symbolized the Upper World of heaven. The conical spines on the trunk can be as much as an inch long.
Ceiba Tree, Kapok Tree Read More »
Breadfruit isn’t native to Central America, but was brought here by colonists who got it in the South Pacific, perhaps New Guinea, the Philippines, or somewhere between. In fact, Captain Bligh was on an expedition to collect breadfruit plants on the HMS Bounty in 1789 when he experienced the fabled Mutiny on the Bounty.
Cecropia, Trumpet Tree Read More »
The cecropia (see-CROW-pee-uh) tree, with its giant (up to 20″ across!) hand-like leaves is one of the more recognizable tropical trees in the Better in Belize Eco Community. The locals call it guarumo (gwah-ROO-mo) or trumpet tree. It is an important “pioneer tree species” in the rainforest, being one of the first trees to sprout up after a fire or where the earth is disturbed.
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Banana plants may be found in many spots at Better in Belize. They’re easy to identify, even if they don’t have bananas on them, by their huge leaves which split repeatedly along the midrib of the leaf, giving it a tattered appearance.