This species of plant, locally
know as milk weed, thrives on
South Caicos Island. If you
break off a piece of it, a milky
white liquid oozes out. This
liquid is a skin irritant. The large
pods hold seeds.
| Spring Into Plants South Caicos Island is part of
the Turks and Caicos Islands in
the British West Indies. The
climate is hot and dry, and fresh
water is a scarce commodity.
There is also little topsoil. The
plant life is adapted to these
harsh conditions, showing a
variety of specialized traits.
Here are a few examples.
Digital images courtesy of Drew Van
Voorhees, SFS Senior Intern
| 
Harsh environments call for
harsh defenses. This acacia
plant has sharp spines all over
it, keeping it well-protected.
|
This Australian Pine is one of
the few trees that grows on
South Caicos Island. Do you
think that this plants is native to
the island?
| 
This island, made famous by
SFS student Cassie Cummings
in her essay entitled "Mangrove
Mania," was formed over many
years as the roots of the
mangrove trees trapped
sediments, allowing more trees
to take root and grow. The
mangroves play important roles
in the lives of many marine and
land animals.
| 
Many animals on South Caicos
Island rely on the grasses,
shrubs and trees for food,
protection, and habitat. Even
Claus, the SFS Center mascot,
uses plants as a place to keep
cool and from which he can
keep a lookout for prey.
|
