More than 100 years ago, two unique plants were discovered in Saint-Martin. The myrcia of Saint-Martin and the galactia of Saint-Martin are part of the unique natural heritage of this island. New exhibit panels featuring these plants are now on display at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in the Orléans Quarter.
The Caribbean is home to a variety of unique plants. Many are found on just a few islands. Others, like the St. Maarten myrcia, are found on only one island. Often these special plants have adapted to life in the harshest places on the island.
"St. Maarten myrcia is only visible in dry areas of Terres Basses with calcareous soil," said exhibit co-creator Mark Yokoyama. “It is difficult for plants to grow there, but the myrcia is adapted to this habitat, so it thrives there. »
Plants that are only found in a specific habitat, such as seaside cliffs, can be difficult to notice. In fact, between 1954 and 2021, no one had seen or collected the St. Maarten myrcia or St. Maarten galactia. Some thought these plants might even be extinct. Fortunately, they have been rediscovered by researchers. The Bivouac Naturaliste association rediscovered the Saint-Martin galactia during its 2021 study, and collaborated with the Les Fruits de Mer association on the new exhibition.
“These special plants are part of the natural heritage that everyone in Saint-Martin shares,” said Jenn Yerkes, the president of the association Les Fruits de Mer. “We are really delighted to put them in the spotlight! It's also a reminder that if we want these unique plants to survive, we must protect the unique wild spaces where they live. »
The Amuseum Naturalis is located at "The Old House" in the Quartier d'Orléans. Admission is still free and all exhibits are now outdoors. The public is welcome to take a self-guided tour anytime during daylight hours, any day of the week. For more information, visit amuseumnaturalis.com.
This exhibition and other projects are carried out with the support of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin and the National Agency for Territorial Cohesion.
About the association Seafood
Les Fruits de Mer is a non-profit association based in St. Martin. Their main mission is to collect and share knowledge about local nature and heritage. They achieve this mission through books and other publications, their free museum, short films and oral histories, events and other projects. To discover more and download free resources, visit http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com.
About the Amuseum Naturalis
Amuseum Naturalis is a free museum on the nature and heritage of St. Martin and the Caribbean, created by Les Fruits de Mer. It is located in the historic "Old House" in the Quartier d'Orléans, on the hill above above the Galleon. For the latest information, visit http://amuseumnaturalis.com.
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