June Showers Bring Poinciana Flowers

In June, the Bahamas islands of Nassau and Exuma burst into a glorious blaze of fire after the first rainfall of summer brings the Royal Poinciana into bloom. The flaming red and orange flowers, nestled against feathery nests of foliage, are spectacular, especially on the eastern end of New Providence (Nassau) and in the west. West Bay Street winds towards the exclusive Lyford Cay residential community with the Poinciana trees forming a cathedral-like tunnel of red. Picturesque Eastern Road showcases the Royal Poinciana with the dazzling sea providing a beautiful backdrop. These areas are dotted with beautiful Bahamas homes and a tangle of vibrant tropical flowers and vegetation. On the island of Great Exuma the legendary Edie Minns scattered Poinciana seeds in the bush every time she and her husband, businessman Nigel, went driving.

Edie has since passed, but the hundreds of Royal Poincianas that grow wild throughout Exuma are a shrine to her love for these exquisite flowers.

Artists can be seen throughout the Bahamas communities, capturing the beauty of the landscape on canvas.

Every Bahamas home should have a Poinciana tree.