1 The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve protects 25 acres of coppice and red mangrove forest. The Preserve is dedicated to the conservation of native species and to the research and documentation of Bahamian bush medicine.
2 The symbol of the Preserve
1 The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve protects 25 acres of coppice and red mangrove forest. The Preserve is dedicated to the conservation of native species and to the research and documentation of Bahamian bush medicine.
2 The symbol of the Preserve - Tabebuia bahamensis - Common name: Five Finger - This tree has been used on all islands for a number of bush medicine remedies including strengthening (aches and pains) and aphrodisiac teas, gastrointestinal issues, circulatory problems and respiratory troubles. It is also used in the horticultural trade.
3 This is my good friend, Shelby White, an author, collector, and philanthropist. The Preserve is operated by the Bahamas National Trust and funded by the Leon Levy Foundation. It was developed by Shelby White, trustee of the Foundation, in honour of her late husband, Leon Levy.
4 We started out at the Welcome Center. Long time residents of the Bahamas, Leon and Shelby loved the natural environment and way of life on Eleuthera.
5 After Leon's death in 2003, Shelby wanted to celebrate her husband’s devotion to the island, while contributing to a better future for all Eleutherans.
6 The Preserve has been designed as a research center for traditional bush medicine. These are extracts of Psidium longipes - Sweet Margaret and Kalanchoe pinnata - Life Leaf/Leaf of Life to make healing teas.
7 Mark Daniels, Site Manager was very lively and informative.
8 There are plenty of coconut palms in the Bahamas.
9 Encyclia rufa - Common Name: Rufous Orchid, Butterfly Orchid - This plant produces beautiful greenish-yellow flowers in the spring.
10 The islands of The Bahamas do not have rivers or freshwater lakes. Their sole source of fresh water is rainfall, captured in underground layers. Often less than 5 feet from the surface, these lens-shaped, freshwater bodies float on top of salty water.
11 The boundary between the fresh water and salt water is called the halocline. Fresh water is drawn from the top of the lens. The lens can become contaminated by salt water when too much water is removed. Inundation by storm surges can also leave it vulnerable.
12 This is the Eleuthera Plant Sanctuary Waterfall. This spectacular open water wetland feature is enhanced with a man-made waterfall and inhabited by the endemic Cat Island Slider, a species of fresh water turtles.
13 There are sink holes in the wetlands, which are directly connected to the sea, as the water level in them rises and falls daily with the tides.
14 Though geographically considered part of the Carribean, The Bahamas is actually located in the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of Florida. The island of Eleuthera is just 90 miles long and rarely more than 3 miles wide.
15 Zamia pumila - Common Names: Coontie, Bay Rush - Zamia pumila stems have been collected and used as a food source but are not used medicinally in the Bahamas.
16 Conocarpus erectus - Common Name: Buttonwood - It's used in the horticultural trade for its silvery leaves. The dense wood has been used for charcoal production, as well as in boat construction because of its durability in saline environments. It's also used for smoking fish and barbequing because of its unique flavor. It's been used medicinally to treat sores and cuts as well as to cause vomiting.
17 Pluchea odorata - Common name: Pluchea odorata - This herb is used to make a tea to remedy colds, coughs, pneumonia, tuberculosis, rheumatism, bronchitis, high blood pressure, toothache, fainting, fever, and various women's complaints.
18 Bucida spinosa - Common Names: Ming Tree, Brier-tree, Prickly tree, Spiny Black Olive - This shrub is used in the horticultural industry for its unique branching pat