Grand Cayman NATURE TOURS
Broadleaf (Cordia sebestena var. caymanensis) and Spanish Elm (Cordia gerascanthus), Family: BORAGINACEAE
PIX – Ann Stafford, Sept. 2005
Cayman Nature Tours
The Cayman Islands were discovered by Columbus over 500 years ago. Permanent settlement came later. Indigenous plants were used for shelter, food, clothing, healing, everyday utility, boatbuilding, livelihood and export. They are part of the history, culture and identity of the Cayman Islands and what makes them unique. We don’t have large wild animals, but we do have an interesting diversity of wildlife, for which plants provide food and shelter.
Spanish Elm – Cordia gerascanthus, Family: BORAGINACEAE.
Endangered, grows on all three Cayman Islands, Greater Antilles, Mexico, Central America and Columbia.
Photo: Ann Stafford, Mar.19, 2005
Spanish Elm – Cordia gerascanthus, Family: BORAGINACEAE, is an Endangered tree that grows in dry, rocky woodlands on Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The wood was used for making Catboat mast, gaff and boom and in general construction. The tree has showy white flowers early in the year. They soon turn brown and act as little parachutes to help seed dispersal. Range: Greater Antilles, Mexico, Central America and Columbia.
Julia butterflies – Dryas iulia zoe, Family: HELICONIIDAE, Cayman Islands endemic subspecies.
Photo: Ann Stafford. Jan. 30, 2013.
Native plants and animals are interdependent, and are part of intricate food webs. There’s a fascinating world of little-known plants and the creatures which are dependent on them – birds, bats, butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and amphibians, hickatees, crabs and so on.
3 Julias nectaring on Roundleaf Sage/Bitter Sage – Lantana involucrata, Family: VERBENACEAE.
Half day or Full day tours with Ann Stafford
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Grand Cayman Nature Tours
Half day Private Island Overview
or
Full Day Private Up-Close with more time to explore on foot
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