Maldives is as the whole world knows, a small island-nation. It is made up of about 1190 islands. Though the islands are small compared to most of the other island nations, the beauty of the nation is exceptional and beyond imagination.

In this article I would like to portray some of the flora of Maldives which make up the greenness of the country.

Chili

Chilis play a vital role in the production of food items as Maldivians enjoy hot and spicy recipes in their daily menus. Chillies come in various types. This type of chilly, mainly known as “tholhi mirus” due to its bean-like shape is usually very spicy, yet has a mouth-watering taste. Various types of chillies are grown in Maldives, still this type is the most favourite among everyone.

Mango

Mangoes which are quite commonly grown in all the islands and is one of the favourite fruits among the locals and the tourists. Mangoes are used to prepare a variety of delicacies. It is also very popular among the youth to be eaten when it is not ripe. A mixture of chili powder with salt is used when mango is eaten in this fashion.

Mangoes are also used to prepare curries and pickles. Maldivians make the best use of mangoes when they are in season.

Another local dish that is very commonly made out of mangoes is “anbu majaa”, which is usually prepared when going on picnics. This is a very spicy dish which is prepared by mixing a number of ingredients and does not need any cooking.

Screwpine

Screwpine is found almost all the islands of Maldives, though it is very rare in Male’ now. This is a fruit which is very good for health. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Delicious dishes are prepared in Maldives using this fruit.

The screwpine tree has leaves which are shaped like the coconut palm’s but the leaves are broader than the cocnut palm leaves and has thorns at the edges of it.

The dry leaves of this tree is most sought out for handicraft work.

It is sad that a fruit which is so good for health is becoming rare now.

Lime

Limes of different sizes can be seen grown around the homes in most of the islands. As Maldives is an equatorial country, the weather here is quite warm during most of the year. Lime juice is prepared at home to quench the thirst of everyone, especially children likes it a lot due to its tangy and soothing taste.

Lime is also a must when preparing the favoured spicy shorteats which is used for the tea-breaks in every family.

Coconut

Coconut palm is the most commonly grown tree in the Maldives. The view of each and every island will show numerous coconut palms.

Coconut is used for food and also as a medicinal fruit.

Maldivians do not thrown any part of the coconut palm and so it is considered the most important tree for us. And on a warm day, there is nothing like a cold glass of fresh coconut drink.

Banana

Bananas can be called children’s food in Maldives. One will rarely find a child who does not like the sweet and fleshy bananas. Maldivians enjoys this fruit as it is very commonly grown in the islands. Though the houses are not very large, every family tries to plant a banana tree.

Though this is a fruit, a certain type of banana is used as vegetable before it becomes ripe. This type of banana is used for preparing curries and other spicy dishes.

The leaves of the tree is also used for handicraft work.

Papaya (Pawpaw)

Papaya or pawpaw is another fruit which Maldivians use in their daily meals. The sweet fleshy part of the ripe papaya is considered in most families as a must for dessert.

Like the mango, the unripe or green papaya is very popular among the youngsters. A picnic or a trip to the beach can never be complete unless there is green papaya and green mangoes to be eaten with salt and chillie or with “rihaakuru” (a paste like food made out of fish soup).

A number of different types of papayas are grown in the Maldives.