Divi-divi

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iDivi-divi
Divi-divi on Aruba
Divi-divi on Aruba
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Genus: Caesalpinia
Species: C. coriaria
Binomial name
Caesalpinia coriaria
(Jacq.) Willd.

The Divi-divi (Caesalpinia coriaria) is a leguminous tree or large shrub native to the Antilles, southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America. It grows to 9 m tall, often much less and very contorted in exposed coastal sites. In other environments it grows into a low dome shape with a clear sub canopy space. leaves are bipinnate, with 5-10 pairs of pinnae, each pinna with 15-25 pairs of leaflets; the individual leaflets are 7 mm long and 2 mm broad. The fruit is a twisted pod 5 cm long.

The Divi-divi is one of the more well known species of Caesalpinia; it is a symbol of Curaçao and is very popular in Aruba where it is called "watapana". On the islands this tree is never straight because of the wind.

Leaves and pod
Enlarge
Leaves and pod

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