Seeing as we are all trying to "get our steps in” and live healthier, richer lives, a walking challenge seemed more than fit (pun intended) for Camana Bay’s 15-year anniversary celebrations. Taking a brisk walk is good for the body and mind, so why not brush up on plant ID and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Camana Bay at the same time?
Grab a friend and some hydration or take on the challenge alone and see if you can spot these 15 plants throughout the Town Centre in 15 minutes or less.
Starting off on the southwest bottom of the Rise, you’ll find Colvillea racemosa (Colville’s Glory - pictured above) has just gone into bloom and will likely have a bananaquit or two buzzing around the brightly coloured orange flowers.
Heading up the Rise, you’ll find Azadirachta indica (neem tree) likely covered in fruit this time of year; and Clusia rosea (autograph tree, pictured above), with its thick paddle-shaped leaves.
Nearing the bottom of the Rise is Adenium obesum (desert rose, pictured above) on either side of the path with its thick caudiciform trunk used for storing water. Up the Paseo and through to the cinema parking lot is where you’ll find Kigelia africana (sausage tree, pictured below) and its unusual, yet beautiful flowers and a few woody fruits.
Barringtonia asiatica (putat) stands tall along Market Street in front of Anytime Fitness, and around the corner to Cassia Court you’ll find the welcome shade and beautiful pendulous yellow flowers of Cassia fistula (golden rain tree, pictured below) gently swaying in the breeze. In the background, the stunning stature and aerial roots of Ficus sp. mightily grace the roundabout.
There are several routes to take you to the next plant to the north of 89 Nexus Way, but if you’d like to make it extra challenging, see how many of Camana Bay's garden-inspired courts you can make it through on your way to Plumeria obtusa (frangipani) and try to catch the fragrance from its soft white flowers. Walking south you will pass the national tree of Cayman, Coccothrinax proctorii (silver thatch palm) shining its silvery fronds in the sun, and next to its bearded Cuban cousin, Coccothrinax crinita (old man palm).
Before rounding the corner and heading toward the island, it would be hard to miss the majestic Ceiba pentandra (kapok) with its wildly shaped buttressed root flare and towering presence. Around the corner, Coccoloba uvifera (seagrape, pictured below) happily dot the walkway, showing off their bold leaves and salt tolerance. Before reaching the Terraces, Pachira aquatica (Guiana chestnut) provides a punch of interest with its fashionable brush style flowers and funky shaped fruits.
If you can see Cocos nucifera (coconut tree) inviting you to come bask in its shade on the island, then you’ve completed the challenge. Give yourself a pat on the back and have a rest in that glorious shade in one of the hammocks.
Each plant in this article has its own article in past issues of Camana Bay Times and you can view a walking tour of these plants here.
This article will also be published in the November 2022 print edition of Camana Bay Times.