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5 plants worth knowing

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a chain of more than 80 volcanic islands, with active volcanoes such as Yasur on Tanna and Marum on Ambrym. Humid tropical forests cover the windward slopes, while drier forests, scrub and savannas develop on the leeward side and on young lava flows. The Ni-Vanuatu have kept a rich kastom tradition in which many plants have ritual and symbolic meaning – two of them even feature on the national flag.

Hover over a plant to see on the map where it grows.

where it grows

  1. Namele 1

    tree · Namele leaves on the flag and coat of arms of Vanuatu

    Namele

    Cycas seemannii

    Two crossed namele cycad leaves on Vanuatu’s flag symbolise peace – in kastom tradition a namele leaf also declares an inviolable taboo.
  2. Kava 2

    shrub

    Kava

    Piper methysticum

    Vanuatu is the homeland of kava – it was domesticated here, and drinking the strong brew in the nakamal each evening is a nationwide ritual.
  3. New Caledonia sandalwood 3

    tree

    New Caledonia sandalwood

    Santalum austrocaledonicum

    Fragrant sandalwood drew crowds of traders to Vanuatu in the 19th century – today its scented wood and oil are once again a valuable export.
  4. Ti plant 4

    shrub · Kastom plant, a symbol of Vanuatu tradition alongside namele

    Ti plant

    Cordyline fruticosa

    The red and green leaves of the nangaria mark garden boundaries, adorn dancers and guard sacred sites in kastom tradition.
  5. Coconut palm 5

    palm

    Coconut palm

    Cocos nucifera

    Coconut groves surround almost every village in Vanuatu, and for decades copra was the country’s main source of income.