Trees And Shrubs Of The Maldives Apr 2026

1. Introduction The Maldives, an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands across 26 atolls, presents one of the most challenging environments for plant life. Soils are alkaline, shallow, nutrient-poor, and water availability is limited to rainfall and a thin freshwater lens. Despite these constraints, a diverse range of native and introduced trees and shrubs form the backbone of the islands’ terrestrial ecosystems. This report categorizes key species by their origin and ecological function. 2. Native Trees (Key Species) Native trees are crucial for maintaining the fragile freshwater lens, preventing coastal erosion, and supporting indigenous fauna (mostly seabirds, geckos, and fruit bats).

| Scientific Name | Local Name (Dhivehi) | Characteristics & Role | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Dhivehi ruh (Coconut palm) | National icon. Not a true tree but functions as one. Provides timber (thatch, rafters), food, and coastal protection. | | Calophyllum inophyllum | Funa | Large, dense canopy tree. Extremely salt- and wind-resistant. Produces a poisonous nut but valuable heavy timber for boat-building (dhoni). | | Terminalia catappa | Midhili (Indian almond) | Deciduous tree with horizontal branches. Leaves turn red before falling. Provides shade and edible nuts. | | Pandanus tectorius | Mash keyo (Screwpine) | Branching shrub/small tree with prop roots. Fibrous leaves are woven into mats, thatch, and fans. | | Guettarda speciosa | Uni (Beach gardenia) | Medium tree with large, fragrant white flowers. Key coastal stabilizer. | | Cordia subcordata | Kuredhi (Sea trumpet) | Orange flowers; very light, buoyant wood used for fishing floats and handicrafts. | | Morinda citrifolia | Ahi (Noni) | Small tree. Fruits have strong odor but medicinal value. Leaves used as poultice. | | Hernandia nymphaeifolia | Jahannami kuredhi (Lantern tree) | Uncommon native; distinctive translucent fruits. | 3. Native Shrubs These low-growing woody plants form the understorey and pioneer vegetation on bare sand. trees and shrubs of the maldives

| Scientific Name | Local Name | Characteristics | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Magoo (Beach cabbage) | Most common coastal shrub. Thick, fleshy leaves; white, fan-shaped flowers. Excellent windbreak. | | Pemphis acidula | Kuredhi (Also for Cordia – note local name overlap) | Extremely hardy, gnarled shrub. Wood is very dense and used for fangi (mortar) and small carvings. | | Suriana maritima | Bili fathi | Yellow flowers; succulent-like leaves. Grows on rocky coral rubble. | | Tournefortia argentea | Boashi (Tree heliotrope) | Can grow into a small tree. Silvery leaves; clusters of purple-white flowers. | | Caesalpinia bonduc | Kudhufilaa | Climbing shrub with thorny stems. Seeds (grey nickernuts) used in traditional games and medicine. | 4. Introduced and Cultivated Trees & Shrubs Due to limited native diversity, Maldivians have introduced many exotic species for fruit, timber, shade, and ornament. Despite these constraints, a diverse range of native