What is divi divi trees?

Divi divi trees (Caesalpinia coriaria) are small to medium-sized trees native to the Caribbean islands, the Bahamas, and parts of Central and South America. They are also commonly found in arid and semi-arid coastal regions, particularly in the Dominican Republic, where they are the national tree.

The divi divi tree usually grows up to 15 to 20 feet tall and possesses a twisted trunk, gnarled branches, and a dense, rounded crown of foliage. Its leaves are pinnate, with 10-20 pairs of small, oval-shaped leaflets. The tree blooms with small, yellow flowers in the summer, which are followed by long, woody, seed pods that contain seeds with a high tannin content. The tannins extracted from the seeds are used as a natural dye and for tanning leather.

One of the most distinctive features of the divi divi tree is the way its branches grow. Because they grow towards the prevailing winds, the branches often bend and twist in remarkable and aesthetically pleasing patterns that add beauty to the landscape.

The divi divi tree is hardy and tolerant of drought, and its wood is hard and durable. It is often used as firewood, furniture, and boat building material. It is also widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and respiratory problems.