15/01/2026
Check out the 3 critically endangered, 12 endangered, and 5 endemic plant species on our property and learn about their historical uses in Cayman!
📌 Banana Orchid (EN) – National flower and endemic to Grand Cayman. Once traded internationally, it is now protected and threatened by habitat loss.
📌 Silver Thatch (EN) – National tree and endemic species. Used for roofing, rope etc. via thatching. Peaking in 1964, Cayman sold 1.3 million fathoms of rope, earning £15,740.
📌 Ironwood (EN) – An endemic tree. Its extremely strong, termite-resistant wood used as foundation posts for homes.
📌 Yellow Mastic (CR EN) – Heavily logged for cabinet work and boat timbers. Does not flower every year.
📌 Mahogany (EN) – By the mid-1700s, a prized global export for fine furniture and shipbuilding, surpassing turtles as Cayman’s main export.
📌 Bull Thatch (CR EN) – Found only on Grand Cayman and Little Cayman. Its strong trunk served as rollers for launching schooners.
📌 Headache Bush (EN) – Leaves and stems were boiled into tea to treat headaches; crushed leaves applied for toothaches.
📌 Spanish Elm (EN) – Wood used for catboat masts, gaffs, booms, and general construction.
📌 Bitter Plum (EN) – Its hard, durable wood was used in shipbuilding; fruits feed Cayman parrots and agoutis.
📌 Cedar (CR EN) – Found only in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Used for timber and catboats. Naturally insect-resistant, with curved trunks ideal for boat parts.
📌 Broadleaf (V) – Endemic to Cayman. Rough leaves used for polishing turtle shells, metal, and glass.
📌 White Fiddlewood (EN) – Used to make sounding boards for musical instruments.
📌 Jasmine (EN) – Large specimens cut for shipbuilding and commonly planted in graveyards.
📌 Wild Jasmine (EN) – Found only on Grand Cayman and one other country. Wood used for slingshots due to its strength and natural “Y” shape.
📌 Bastard Strawberry (EN) – Leaves brewed as mild tea.
📌 Wild Fig (EN) – Known for leading settlers to water, as its deep roots reach groundwater.
Key: (CR EN) Critically Endangered | (EN) Endangered | (V) Vulnerable
All rankings from the Cayman Islands Red List.
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