The Exotic Cacti of Aruba, a unique token

Cacti decorate the unique landscape of Aruba in abundance, creating the most fabulous peaceful sight, ever seen.

In the Caribbean, the Cactus is a plant only to be found on the Leeward Islands.

The cactus is the universal creation to survive the dryness of the climate, needing very little water.

There are two authentic cacti species on Aruba, namely the Opuntia and the Cereus.

The spectacular cacti are in different shapes and styles and some have flowers, others edible fruits, and others many thorns.

The well-known “Tuna” by those that explore the countryside of Aruba, is the Opuntia, consisting of flattened oval disc connecting to each other, filled with tiny thorns, occasionally exposing adorable yellow flowers.

The Cereus is elongated in a tube shape and can grow to 10 meters or even higher, majestically filling the sky-line. Some of the Cereus are known by their beauty, like the “Dama Di Nochi” displaying beautiful white flowers blooming only during nighttime, hence the name. The “Breba” is authentically filled with thorns, resembling a furry coat in the wilderness amidst Diorite boulders and “Watapana” and “Kwihi” trees.

The favorite of all is the “Cadushi,” displaying edible fruits “Dadel” or “Date” for humans.

Many local birds, like the Trupiaal, Kiki’s, “Warawara”and Gonzalito, to mention a few and even the Iguana’s, make these fruits also part of their daily diet. Aruba's smallest bird of prey, the "Kinikini" uses the top of the Cereus as his daily look out.

Arubans, known to be very hospitable, created a very unique gift to all cruise guests visiting Aruba, as courtesy.

The Aruba Cruise Tourism chose this unique Cacti scenery treasure, combined with the tranquility of the coastline and brought this on the refrigerator clip to present this as a souvenir to our valuable cruise guests.

Cruise guest disembarking in Aruba on a cruise itinerary will be offered a pleasant unique surprise “Welcome Back” refrigerator clip, depicting the Opuntia, the Cereus and our serene “Arashi” Beach.

“This is a way to take the exotic experience home and to long for repetitions,” according to Ms. Kathleen Rojer of the Aruba Cruise Tourism.

Aruba is always ready to welcome and to accommodate, and do offer a variety of countryside as well as beach activities, topped by quality shopping and the eclectic nightlife. Be part of Aruba, only the best!