Divi Divi

Scientific name: Libidibia coriaria

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location:

Observations:

1. Leaf Behavior
Divi Divi is deciduous, often shedding most or all of its leaves during the dry season.

Leaves are bipinnately compound, with many small, feathery leaflets.
Leaf drop typically occurs January–March, but may vary with drought intensity.
New leaf flushes emerge with the first rains or after flowering, usually in March–April.

Observation Tips:

2. Flowering
Flowers are small, yellowish-white, and fragrant, occurring in loose, upright clusters (racemes).

Flowering generally begins just after the dry season, typically March–May.
Flowers are insect-pollinated and may be subtle unless observed up close.

Observation Tips:

3. Fruiting
Fruits are distinctive, twisted, dark brown pods, often curled into a “C” or double spiral.

Pods ripen June–August and are high in tannins, traditionally used for leather tanning and dye.
Fruit often remains on the tree even after drying.

Observation Tips:

Track fruit development, especially the change from green to leathery brown.
Record pod retention, drop, and collection by wildlife or people.

4. Growth Habit
Divi Divi typically grows to 20–40 feet, though often much shorter due to constant wind pruning.

It has a low, spreading canopy and trunks that may lean or curve in the direction of prevailing winds.
Exceptionally drought-tolerant, it is found in coastal and arid regions and is a strong pioneer species.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

Jan–Mar: Leaf drop
Mar–May: New leaves and flowering
Jun–Aug: Pod development and ripening
Sep–Dec: Dry pods may persist; foliage stable or partially thinned depending on conditions