Vegetation on the Clifftops

The vegetation along the cliff tops is unusual to a Western eye. Desert adapted plants such as cacti grow next to salt loving halophytes and coconut palms. Little grows along the cliff edge due to the constant sea spray. The porosity of the limestone and lack of topsoil makes for these near desert conditions. In the winter, of course, there is frequent rain, but any plants that grow here need to be able to survive the harsh dry summers.

Vegetation

The vegetation along the cliff tops is unusual to a Western eye. Desert adapted plants such as cacti grow next to salt loving halophytes and coconut palms. Little grows along the cliff edge due to the constant sea spray. The porosity of the limestone and lack of topsoil makes for these near desert conditions. In the winter, of course, there is frequent rain, but any plants that grow here need to be able to survive the harsh dry summers.

North of Palmetto Bay

North of Palmetto Bay, the route continues along the cliff top. Here we passed a small cove with its lone coconut palm.

Another view of Palmetto Bay, looking North.

Another view of Palmetto Bay, looking North.

Palmetto Bay

The isolated and little visited Palmetto Bay. It is possible to descend to the bay, down a rocky staircase at the top of the bay. While we passed, the only person int he bay was a lone coconut harvester, gathering in hos crop to bring in to the city.

Our walk leads around the bay and then northwards along the cliff tops.

North of Bottom Bay

North of Bottom bay a spur of land juts out into the ocean. Beyond it is a small bay called Palmetto Bay.