Blossoming Creativity: Rediscovering Common Plants Found in Maldives

Contributed by Vanilliz

Beef Wood (Fithuroanu) and small leaved orange mangrove (Bodavaki/Kan’doo) at a swamp in Addu City.

(1,746 words)

(9 minutes read)

Introduction:

For quite some time now, I have found myself confined to writing nothing more than brief text messages. The duration of this limitation has extended far beyond what can be classified as a mere writer's block—it feels more like a colossal writer's boulder, hindering my creative flow. Nevertheless, over the past few months, I have been engrossed in pondering how to reawaken my passion for writing. Surprisingly, a recent conversation with my close friend, a celebrated writer, opened up a new avenue for exploration: globally celebrated days. I must confess, I have always struggled with remembering well-known occasions like Women's Day or Mother's Day. Yet, during our discussion, a flicker of inspiration ignited within me, suggesting that delving into these celebrated days could serve as the catalyst to reignite my writing endeavors.

During that conversation, I discovered that the 22nd of May was celebrated as International Biodiversity Day, and it instantly captured my interest. The first thing that came to mind was variety of trees adorning my native island home and the countless roles they play in our lives. This eye opener took me down the memory lane, back to a thread I had posted on Twitter years ago about "maamelaa meli" and the joy I felt in sharing information about something I am deeply passionate about. Now, here I am, making another attempt to express myself, but this time I have chosen my friend's blog as my creative platform.

In this article, I aim to highlight the importance of several commonly found plants on our island and their crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of our nation. Often overlooked because they are so widespread, these plants hold an integral place within the ecosystem. They not only support a diverse array of wildlife but also provide invaluable resources, while shaping the landscapes that are adored and cherished by people from all around the world.

Common name: Coconut palm

Local name: Dhivehi ruh

Scientific name: Cocos nucifera

The iconic coconut palm holds an esteemed position among the trees of our region. The fascinating tale of its origin traces back to a time when the first settlers on these islands faced dire circumstances and struggled with limited resources. According to lore, a wise “fandithaveriya” chanted an incantation, leading to the miraculous sprouting of coconut trees from the skulls of the deceased individuals. While this story resides in the realm of folklore, it is not difficult to envision how such a captivating legend might have come to be. Undoubtedly, this fabled transformation would have profoundly shaped the lives of our people, making the coconut palm an indispensable element of our cultural heritage.

The multifaceted benefits of coconuts extend beyond their nourishing sustenance. Alongside the refreshing coconut water, the versatile oil derived from coconuts finds its way into various culinary creations and cosmetic formulations. In the past, the sap collected from cutting the inflorescence flowers was used to make palm sugar, which constituted a significant portion of the islanders' diet. The fibrous husks, skillfully woven into coir ropes, provided an income source for islanders in bygone eras. The fronds of the coconut palm were used as tools dipped into the sea to attract money cowrie shells, which were once used as our currency. Even in modern times, the dried leaves of the coconut palm continue to serve a vital purpose in various thatching and weaving projects, lending the structures of these islands an iconic Robinson Crusoe-like ambiance. Furthermore, the strong and durable wood derived from the coconut palm has played an irreplaceable role in construction endeavors. This timber has been skillfully used to build the masdhoani, the beloved vessels that have safely carried our fishermen across the vast expanse of the sea for generations. It goes without saying that these remarkable trees make a significant contribution to coastal protection, acting as a natural buffer against the formidable forces of storm surges and erosion.

Common name: Banyan tree

Local name: Nikagas

Scientific name: Ficus banyana oken

Widely distributed across the Maldives, the banyan tree is often the first sight that greets us as we approach an island from a distance. With its majestic spread reaching up to 30 meters in height, this tree, locally known as "nika gas," adds a touch of grandeur to the island's landscape. While there are mystical lores and old wives tales suggesting that these trees are gathering points for local spirits, it is important to note that such beliefs are purely folklore and not grounded in reality. However, there have been reported cases of hallucinations associated with this tree among some local folk, though these occurrences remain anecdotal. I hope so!

The banyan tree proudly stands as a common avenue tree, showcasing a striking contrast between its dark green leaves and the reddish-orange fruits that gracefully hang from its branches. The sight of its aerial prop roots creates an awe-inspiring spectacle, delighting island children who find endless joy in swinging and playing among them. Furthermore, the latex derived from the banyan tree has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, providing relief for ailments such as pains, bruises, and even toothaches.

Beyond its cultural significance, the banyan tree plays a remarkable ecological role that sets it apart. It creates microhabitats that support diverse flora and fauna, contributing significantly to the overall biodiversity of the islands.

Common name: Beef Wood

Local name: Fithuroanu

Scientific name: Casuarina

Walking beneath the lush canopy of shade provided by the tall and slender fithuroanu trees, which grace every inhabited island in the Maldives, has always held a special place in my heart. Imagine my surprise that this graceful tree was commonly known as beef wood. Unimaginable. There is an unexplainable magic the way sunlight filters through their leaves, casting a dreamy glow on the ground below, and the melodic rustle of the monsoon winds through their dense thickets. I can go on about the ambient mood this tree creates for me. While concerns have been raised about the needle-like leaves posing challenges for drainage systems on roads, I find solace in the sight of these leaves delicately carpeting the ground, adding to the uniqueness of the terrestrial vegetation and enhancing the overall splendor of the landscapes.

These resilient evergreen trees have admirably adapted to the salty climate and environmental factors prevalent in the region. Not only do they contribute to the natural beauty of the islands, but they also serve as intentional windbreaks and erosion controllers, safeguarding the land. The wood of the fithuroanu tree holds various purposes. Additionally, the timber of the Casuarina tree is highly valued for its durability and finds multiple practical uses.  

It is worth noting that children are particularly fond of gathering the tree's seeds, finding joy and allure in using them to create craft items. As a child, I have even played the innocent prank of offering a handshake with a spiky fithuroanu seed, creating moments of surprise and laughter. The fithuroanu tree holds a very special place in my heart, reminding me of cherished memories.

Common name: Small leaved orange mangrove

Local name: Bodavaki/Kan’doo

Scientific Name: Rhizophora cylindrica

Whenever I come across a swamp on an island, a nostalgic song by Meyna Hassaanu begins playing in my head. The album he produced in the 90s was largely inspired by the wet climate of these kan'doo faa kulhi, which serve as guardians of the unique atmosphere found in the island environment. The Maldives is blessed with extensive mangrove habitats, especially in the northern islands, creating remarkable ecosystems that host a diverse array of mangrove species. Despite the time-consuming preparation required, the kan'doo fruit has been used as part of the local diet, offering a taste of the island's natural bounty.

Mangroves play a pivotal role in maintaining the coastal ecosystems of the Maldives. Their intricate root systems provide vital habitats for a multitude of marine life, while acting as natural filters for sediment and pollutants. Additionally, these resilient ecosystems safeguard shorelines from erosion, preserving the delicate balance between land and sea. Although it has been noted that kan'doo, in particular, has properties that repel fish, mangroves as a whole serve as important nurseries for fish, supporting local fisheries and contributing to the livelihoods of island communities.

Common name: Beach Plum/Fan flower  

Local name: Magoo

Scientific name: Scaevola Sericea

These emerald green foliaged plants are an integral part of the beachscapes that grace the islands of the Maldives. Magoo, a fast-growing plant, is a familiar sight found throughout the archipelago. As I recall from stories told during my youth, locals turned to consuming these leaves for sustenance during the famine caused by the world war, highlighting their significance during times of hardship. Beyond their historical importance as a food source, Magoo plays a crucial role in stabilizing the sandy soil and preventing erosion, contributing to the preservation of the island's delicate ecosystems. Moreover, this versatile plant has been locally recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in soothing and refreshing inflamed eyes.

Conclusion

As I immersed myself in exploring the significance of these plants, their diverse uses, and their invaluable ecological contributions, I sensed a rekindling of my creative spirit. It was as if the chains of writer's block that had bound me for so long were finally loosening, allowing my thoughts and ideas to flow freely once again. In that moment, I realized the profound impact these plants had on me. They were not merely subjects of study, but living entities that held the key to unlocking my creativity. They embodied the interconnectedness of all living things, weaving a tapestry of life and inspiration that stretched far beyond the confines of my writing.

From the majestic coconut palm, with its multifaceted contributions to our culture and ecosystem, to the sprawling banyan tree, a symbol of awe and ecological significance, these plants became my muse. They ignited my imagination and opened up a world of possibilities, reminding me of the intricate web of life that exists within our island home.

In conclusion, the diverse plant life found on the islands of the Maldives holds profound significance. Their uses, their ecological contributions, and their ability to evoke creativity are undeniable. As I continue to explore and celebrate these remarkable plants, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world. Happy Biodiversity Day to everyone.

Further Reading: Common Plants of Maldives