Sea Ox Eye Daisy

The Sea Ox Eye Daisy found growing right off the sand among some rocks at Long Bay Beach

The Sea Ox Eye Daisy found growing right off the sand among some rocks at Long Bay Beach

I’m just amazed at how many wild flowers I see that are growing here in the islands. Some grow in the most precarious positions just out of pockets of dirt or sand in the rocks. There are two species of Sea Ox Eye Daisy found in The Turks and Caicos Islands. The one above has the official name of Borrichia Frutescens whose succulent leaves are covered in a fine silver fuzz. Until I took a close look at my photos, I didn’t realize there were two species.

Bright yellow flowers resembling a daisy appear throughout the year

Bright yellow flowers resembling a daisy appear throughout the year

This Sea Ox Eye Daisy is named Borrichia Arborescens and has leaves that are a deep green and smooth. These beautiful flowers are used by the locals and brewed into a tea for calming nerves and the stomach. The tea also treats colds, asthma, allergies and food poisoning. You can also eat the leaves in a salad to boost your Vitamin C content.

Watch for these pretty flowers the next time you are out for a walk.

Marta

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