For many visitors to the Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, a vacation to the islands means strolling along pristine beaches and snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters. However, the islands have a rich biodiversity that is revealed in the Turks and Caicos plant life. During your vacation, you will encounter many interesting plants, including the native fan palms that grow naturally all over the island, and the delicate blooms of the desert rose plant, which is an evergreen native to the tropics.
Desert Climate
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos has a dry climate that is surrounded by salt water, which means most of the plants that thrive on the island must adapt to those unique conditions. The native red, black and white mangroves that can be seen all over the islands are uniquely adapted to handle the high saline content in the surrounding ocean water.
Other native plants that grow throughout Providenciales, Turks and Caicos are fan palms. Their lush, green foliage reaches several feet in height, and they can be spotted everywhere from beachfront villas to the local supermarket. Another familiar plant is the coconut palm. These large trees, which can grow up to 98 feet tall, are a food source for islands citizens, but their large, lush palms also provide much-needed shade in the hot sun.
Native Flowers
The Providenciales, Turks and Caicos islands are home to many beautiful flowers like the desert rose. These lovely trees with hardy branches and delicate pink and white blooms are a much-loved addition to many island gardens. Another gardener’s favorite is the cordyline plant. This fuchsia-colored plant grows close to the ground and adds a pop of color to the islands’ otherwise green foliage.
Rare Species
Most visitors come to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos for the pristine beaches, but if you enjoy the natural world, a trip to the limestone or “ironshore” coastal areas can be quite fascinating. Chalk Sound National Park on Providenciales offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view jagged limestone cliffs surrounded by miniature trees and shrubs that thrive in the barren climate.
Another interesting island phenomenon can be observed in the small ponds that dot Providenciales and North and Middle Caicos. These unique environments create an oasis environment filled with saw grass and large palms in an area that is surrounded by desert. One of the rarest plants on Turks and Caicos is the Caicos pine. In recent years, disease has wreaked havoc on these lovely conifers, but efforts are being made to replant the species. They can still be glimpsed in their natural habitat in a few spots like Pine Cay and North Caicos.
For more on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos flora and fauna, you can head to VisitTCI.com.
Villas Vacation
You can experience the best of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos floral and fauna while staying in a luxury villa during your vacation. TC Villas offers weekly rentals of luxury beachfront villas that are surrounded by the islands’ lush foliage. The stunning front entrance of the Beach Villa Paprika is lined with coconut palms while the elegant Blue Orchid has a natural native mangrove island just a short kayak ride away.
You can find our villas at TC Villas. Contact TC Villas at info@tcvillas.com or by phone from 9-5 EST at 1.877.467.4858 to book your perfect beachfront vacation rental villa!