If you stroll through Town, you’ll notice a certain tree bringing shade, color, and life to our plazas and pathways. In Plaza Mercado alone, you’ll find more than 12 of them. You’ll also spot one right next to Papaya’s statue in Plaza Papaya, in Central Park, and throughout the common areas. Truly, they’re everywhere!
The Almendro de Playa trees in Spanish, or Terminalia catappa, are a favorite in Town because they grow quickly, adapt beautifully to the local environment, and support the ecosystem in many ways. Their large, glossy leaves provide dense shade that invites a pause under the tropical sun. What makes these trees especially fascinating is that they offer flowers, seeds, and leaves, all of which attract wildlife and insects. Here in Town, you’ll find squirrels, monkeys, and magpie jays nibbling on the fruits, while butterflies and other pollinators are drawn to the blossoms, keeping the surrounding flora buzzing with life.
These incredible trees are perfectly suited to sandy, sun-soaked coastal areas, which is why you can find them all around Plaza Danta, and why they thrive here in Las Catalinas. They tolerate salty air and occasional drought, yet they do not invade the denser forested areas, letting native plants thrive elsewhere.
In Town, Almendro trees are more than just trees. They’re living landmarks, offering shade to people, food for insects and wildlife, and giving us a chance to witness the vibrant lifescape that surrounds us.