Aruba Nature Explorers: Cactus in Aruba

Aruba has much more to offer than just mere fun in the sun and beautiful beaches. The tiny Caribbean island also has a lot of options for the nature-lovers and those interested in plants and wildlife.

Aruba Tours: Getting in touch with Aruba’s Nature

The rugged and dry landscape of Aruba, almost reminiscent of a desert, is ideal for the growth of cactus. A distinctly Aruban feature, cactus hedges are mostly made from a common cactus species (Ritterocereus griseus). These hedges are used to demarcate territories and to prevent the trespassing of both humans and animals. Aruba tours offer the best packages for you to view these stunning beauties.

Aruba Eco Tours: Significance of Cactus in Aruba

Cactus plants are valued in Ariba for aesthetic, cultural, and historical reasons. The usual cactus plant has several features that are different from traditional flora. The distinct prickly spines provide protection against herbivores while preventing water loss. Most of them have an attractive appearance- with beautiful flowers, succulent fleshy stems. They are impervious to climate extremities, especially drought.

Aruba Nature Tours: Available Cactus Variations in Aruba

The following five cacti species dominate the landscape of Aruba. You can find these on eco tours aruba:

1) Breba Cactus

The most widely available cactus species in Aruba is the Breba (Cereus repandus or locally known as Kadushi) found on aruba nature tours. The plant falls under the columnar cacti category and is capable of reaching up to four meters in height. Arubans have been using the Breda cactus for several purposes over the years. The plant is used as a natural fence; you can find them aruba tours. The cactus is edible and is also used to prepare beverages. Dried-out Breda cacti were used as torches or fence-fuel in the earlier days. Old cacti having thick trunks were used in carpentry. The inner ribs of the cactus are still used to prepare kite-frameworks. The last pastime is very common among Aruban children and you can indulge in these activites in aruba eco tours.

2) Opuntia Cactus

“Tuna Cactus” or Opuntia in Aruba features a distinct flat paddle-framed stem section that extends on top of one another. Also known as the prickly pear cactus, Opuntias may grow up to 5–7 meters in height, with a crown of over 3 meters in diameter and a trunk diameter of 1 meter. Cladodes (large pads) are green to blue-green, bearing few spines up to 2.5 cm (1 in) or maybe spineless. The paddles are labeled as cladode. The spines of the opuntia are easily detachable. They bear both flowers and red-colored edible fruits- which are used to make candies and jelly. The opuntias have also been used for medicinal purposes after slicing open the cladodes.

3) Kadushi di Pushi

The Kadushi di Pushi is a tall, columnar cactus characterized by its yellow needles, hairy spines, and a crown that almost resembles wool. Scientifically named philosocereus lanuginosus- white hairy spines and yellow prickles protrude from the top of the plant’s branches. The Kadushi can grow up to 33 feet in height with stems only 4 inches wide. On average, a single plant consists of nine to ten ribs and long golden spines. The blooms are bell-shaped. The blooms vary from cream-color to light pink and are pollinated by the Southern long-nosed bat. You can spot them on aruba eco tours. It is one of the aruba things to do.

4) Cactus – Stenocereus griseus – Yatu

Stenocereus griseus, known to the Arubans as Yatu, is a common night-blooming cactus species. The plant grows straight after branching near the ground. Yatu cactus can grow up to 9 meters(including the length of the stems) and have a diameter of up to 12 centimeters. The plants bear fruit during the dry season. In the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, this cactus is a critical food resource for bats, birds, and other animals. The edible fruits can be used to make jam. Meanwhile, the entire cactus plant is great for natural fencing. Private eco tours ensures you get to see these rare species.

5) Turks Cap – Cabez di Indjan

Melocactus Macracanthos is known by several names. People in Aruba know it either by the name of Bushi or Cabez di Indjan( or Turks Caps in English). One of the most interesting species of cactus plants, the Turks Cap is distinct from others in the manner in which its cephalium grows from the top. Flowers and fruits grow from the cephalium, which can grow up to a few feet in some cases. Small pink flowers bloom inside the cephalium, while the fruits are waxy and tubular in appearance. The fruits taste great and consumed by birds, bats, small animals, and even humans, The trademark appearance of a Turk Cap occurs only after the onset of maturity. Eco tours aruba ensure you don’t miss these rare species of cacti.

CTA: Aruba Nature Explorers: The best option for Aruba Eco Tours

Explore the rugged desert landscapes of Aruba along with the plants and the plants and the vegetation that grows along with it. Discover what makes Aruba unique, despite being a tiny Caribbean island- with Aruba Natural Explorers. Our specialized private eco tours and aruba nature tours packages ensure that the visitors can discover the hidden secrets of Aruba with the ultimate comfort and fun. Click on this link to explore available tour packages and aruba things to do.