Maho a Maho
Maho a Maho
Years ago, savoring a Big G at Joe's Rum Hut, I was struck by the gorgeous yellow flowers in the trees along the Cruz Bay beach. My server had no idea what those trees were, nor did I at the time, but I looked them up. Mahos, every one.
We spent a number of pleasant days at Maho Bay during this visit, and earlier this week, during a stroll along the shore there, I noticed lots of buds in the Mahos, and one early flower, the harbinger of more to come:
Here's a close-up of that flower:
and a more macro view of a Maho tree at Maho Bay:
These beautiful flowers only last for a couple of days, turning from yellow to maroon, and eventually a green pod grows where the flower had been. By the time the pods are ready to drop, and disperse their seeds, they will be a leathery brown (and black after they fall). The seed pods float, and ocean currents help disperse them along near and distant shores. Mahos (technically Thespesia populnea) are very well adapted to saline environments, and are often found in association with mangroves.
All the best,
Kevin
We spent a number of pleasant days at Maho Bay during this visit, and earlier this week, during a stroll along the shore there, I noticed lots of buds in the Mahos, and one early flower, the harbinger of more to come:
Here's a close-up of that flower:
and a more macro view of a Maho tree at Maho Bay:
These beautiful flowers only last for a couple of days, turning from yellow to maroon, and eventually a green pod grows where the flower had been. By the time the pods are ready to drop, and disperse their seeds, they will be a leathery brown (and black after they fall). The seed pods float, and ocean currents help disperse them along near and distant shores. Mahos (technically Thespesia populnea) are very well adapted to saline environments, and are often found in association with mangroves.
All the best,
Kevin
Re: Maho a Maho
Beautiful flower- looks a lot like a hibiscus. I wonder if they are in the same family. Speaking of a good yellow flower mystery, several years ago we were on the island in late April and saw this beautiful tree in full bloom. I was never able to find out what it was. Anyone know?
Trip report 2009
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Trip report 2008
So good, so good, so good!
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Trip report 2008
So good, so good, so good!
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Re: Maho a Maho
Thank you for sharing the detail on the yellow flower Kevin, it's beautiful and I can see why you wanted to know more. On various trips I've taken close up pictures of gorgeous flowers and framed them to decorate a half bath in my house. Works well and you get to see them when it's cold and snowy outside.
Sorry Agent99 the tree is amazing but I'm no help with what kind.
Sorry Agent99 the tree is amazing but I'm no help with what kind.
Re: Maho a Maho
Beautiful plant, Kevin. I'm so curious about underwater life that I pay less attention to the flora of the island, which is my flaw. Thank you for your post and making me aware of them.
Re: Maho a Maho
Thanks Kevin...I wonder how the Beach got it's name?
Phone # at Coconuts still the same?
Bigcheeze/Dave
Phone # at Coconuts still the same?
Bigcheeze/Dave
Re: Maho a Maho
Tut tut tut, BC! A promise is a promise...
We did change the locks...
All the best,
Kevin
We did change the locks...
All the best,
Kevin