Saint Kitts has about 120 species of trees. The varieties vary across the island based on soil types, proximity to the sea and wind plus a multitude of micro-climates. This is an acacia (Acacia farnesiana). The tree thrives on dry, rocky hills. The colloquial name of needle bush explains why this evergreen hosts a flock of cattle egrets. The branches are lined with long, thin and sharp thorns. They provide the colonies of nesting birds with protection from predators.
