The Flora of Tahiti
While the native flora in Tahiti does not carry a wide variety, every plant that grows here is completely luscious. Since the coconut tree does not need deep roots to grow and thrive, it does very well in Tahiti, as does the ironwood tree. Mango and breadfruit trees are also common throughout the islands are are both some of the main fruits sold and eaten here in the islands. Plumeria is yet another plant that thrives here, known the world over for it's wonderful smell and is used in many perfumes, soaps, and lotions. The tropical almond trees are usually found on the higher islands, and the lower hills are covered with guava trees, falcata, maru maru, and acacias. The tulip tree is not native, but was brought over by W. H. Smith, when he founded the botanical gardens here in Tahiti, and the tree has done well ever since.
The tiare tree is the emblem of Tahiti, and is grown everywhere throug the islands. Every family here in French Polynesia has a few of these tiare shrubs in their gardens, and their branches are used in leis, worn over the ear, or made into crowns for celebrations. The tiare is also mixed with coconut oil to create a wonderfully smelling Tahitian monoi, which is one of the most well known beauty products among the women here.
As for flowers, you will find some beautiful ones here as well. Hibiscus grow all over the islands and can be seen in yellows, oranges, reds, and some pinks. These flowers are also a staple in leis, crowns, and are also worn over the ear as decorations. Jasmine, pitate, ylang-ylang, and the crotons, all of various colors and scents dot the islands, creating splashes of color everywhere you look. And, who can forget the bougainvillieas, whose legendary colors make them hard to miss!
The Fauna of Tahiti
While the vast majority of the animals that live here in French Polynesia are birds and fish, there are many insects and other animals as well. Some are animals that were brought here when our ancient ancestors migrated here from their homelands, such as: dogs, pigs, chickens, and such. These animals adapted just as well as their owners to the tropical paradise that makes up the islands of French Polynesia and still thrive today. With the arrival of the Eurpoean ships came new animals, such as: turkeys, horses, cats, and goats, helping to create a better rounded selection of animals that are still doing well today.
Although there are always the stories of brightly colored parrots, small, humorous monkeys, and deadly snakes that stalk innocent visitors, none of these animals make their homes here except in the tales of old sea travelers. There are no deadly animals here, but you will need to be careful of insects while on your vacation, as there are several species of insects that can make some innocent visitors or natives very sick. These include those wonderful centipedes who wind their way through the woods, streets, and beaches, and need to be watched for at all times. We also have plenty of mosquitos here, along with a tiny ancestor of theirs called 'nonos', which also like the flesh of visitors and natives alike. So be sure to keep plenty of bug spray and repellent around on your visit.
Tahiti also offers a great variety of geckos and lizards, all with wonderful colors and sizes, and each one eats mosquitoes so they are always welcome! Near most of our luxurious lagoons, there are small crabs that scurry about, looking for food, shelter, or just a sunny spot to sit.
Aside from all the fish and other aquatic animals here, the biggest part of the living creatures that make up our diverse island are our vast array of birds that call Tahiti home. There are over one hundred documented species of birds that make the French Polynesian islands their home, and they are some of the most beautiful birds in the world. Terns, puffins, boobies, petrels, and many other exotic birds all make their homes here and come from all over the world. During the summer months, other beautiful birds migrate here, like the kuckoo, curlew, and sandpiper. Of course, there are many of the more normal birds here as well, such as buzzards, swallows, pigeons, and ducks, that help to round out our wonderfully diverse array of birds.
But, one of the most prevalent birds here are the roosters. Both colorful and vocal, Tahitian roosters have been here since the ancient Polynesians came to the islands and continue to thrive here today.
The only species that outnumber the birds here in Tahiti are the fish. With over a thousand different species, you are sure to encounter several of them on your stay here. Some of these species include: Surgeon fish, picasso fish, parrot fishes, groupers, swordfishes, demoiselles, tunas, jackfishes, and mahi mahi. While snorkeling, swimming, or boating, you might also encounter: sharks, rays, eels, whales, and dolphins.
There are also a wide variety of crustaceans here, that include everything from lobster to crab to chevrettes, which are a native freshwater shrimp and are tasty in seafood dishes!
The reefs that surround Tahiti and her islands are made up of coral, which is yet another marine life form that thrives here in this tropical paradise. Coral are tiny animals that look like small polyps that make their homes inside of limestone skeletons for protection. A coral reef is made up of thousands and thousands of coral, and provide a home and protection for other fish who live around the reefs, as well as local marine plant life, such as seaweed.
