Bougainvillea Fence Gate

 

Bougainvillea Fence Gate - ©A. Derek Catalano

St. Margaret Rd., Nassau

Old Paintings

Two old acrylic paintings I did in 1994.

 

"Coconut Lizard" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Seagrapes" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Old Fort Bay Bougainvillea

 "Old Fort Bay Bougainvillea" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Moonrise Pine

 

"Moonrise Pine" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Poinciana Top

 

Poinciana Top - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Rooted in Resilience: The Botanical Marvel and National Legacy of the Lignum Vitae

 

Blooming Lignum Vitae Tree - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Rooted in Resilience: The Botanical Marvel and National Legacy of the Lignum Vitae

The Lignum Vitae tree (Guaiacum sanctum and Guaiacum officinale) is a remarkable testament to the strength, resilience, and beauty of the tropical world. Literally translating from Latin as the "Tree of Life," Lignum Vitae is celebrated not just for its striking visual presence, but for possessing one of the densest, heaviest woods on the planet. Deeply intertwined with both human industry and national identity, this slow-growing marvel holds a revered place in ecological landscapes and cultural history, most notably serving as the national tree of The Bahamas.

Government House Gate Poinciana - PC Wallpaper

 

"Government House Gate Poinciana" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Government House Gate Poinciana" - ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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Hummingbird Murals

Elizabeth Ave., Nassau, Bahamas 

 

Hummingbird Mural by Marco 2026

 

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Hummingbirds Mural by Marco 2026

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Photo images: ©A. Derek Catalano

Pink Periwinkle Patch

 

"Pink Periwinkle Patch" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre in Nassau, Bahamas

 

Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre

 

Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre in Nassau, Bahamas

When most people think of Nassau, they picture massive cruise ships, white-sand beaches, and the sprawling luxury resorts of Paradise Island. But tucked away just minutes from downtown is a completely different kind of sanctuary.

 

 Entrance

Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre is a four-acre tropical oasis that feels a world away from the busy cruise ports. As the only zoo and conservation center in The Bahamas, Ardastra isn't just a place to see animals—it is a living piece of Bahamian history, a rescue sanctuary, and home to a world-famous flock of marching birds.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting this iconic Nassau destination.

Palm Poinciana

 

"Palm Poinciana" -  ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Saunders Beach Coconut Trees - ©A. Derek Catalano 

 

The Coconut Palm: The Tree of Life

Often hailed as the "Tree of Life" (Tree of Heaven or Kalpavriksha in Sanskrit), the coconut palm is one of nature’s most resilient, versatile, and economically vital plants. Across tropical regions worldwide, it serves as a cornerstone of nutrition, culture, and industry. Every part of the tree—from the roots deep in the sand to the leaves high in the canopy—can be used, proving that very few plants match its utility.

Petrea Summer

 

 

 Bougainvillea and Petrea Wall - ©A. Derek Catalano

Petrea - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Petrea - ©A. Derek Catalano

Stinking Passionflower

 

"Stinking Passionflower" - ©A. Derek Catalano

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The Stinking Passionflower, scientifically known as Passiflora foetida, is one of the most unusual and recognizable wild vines found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including The Bahamas. Read more>>

Pickin' Cherries

 

Nassau, Bahamas. A cherry tree cut and shaped into a low hedge for easy picking. Sweet like sugar. I picked all. West Indian(Bahamian) Cherry

 

 

 Cherry Plate - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Related photos: Pickin' Mulberries Again

Yellow Orchids - PC Wallpaper

 

"Yellow Orchids" - Bahamas AI Image

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Royal Poinciana Rock

 

"Royal Poinciana Rock" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Bahamas Driftwood Art Souvenir

 

 

"Bahamas Driftwood Art Souvenir" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

I took this photo of a piece of driftwood I found on the beach and used AI to paint it. Also tweaked it a little with Adobe Photoshop.

 

Original

Tropic Isle - Phone Wallpaper

 

"Tropic Isle" - Bahamas AI Image

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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 "Tropic Isle" - Bahamas AI Image
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
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"Cerasee on Lattice" - ©A. Derek Catalano

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Cerasee (Momordica charantia) in The Bahamas: A Comprehensive Study

 

Introduction

Cerasee is one of the most widely recognized and commonly used medicinal plants in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. For generations, Bahamians have relied on cerasee tea as a traditional bush medicine for a variety of ailments, from digestive complaints to skin conditions. The plant is deeply rooted in Bahamian folk medicine and remains popular today despite the availability of modern pharmaceuticals.

Known scientifically as Momordica charantia, cerasee belongs to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). It is also known internationally as bitter melon, bitter gourd, balsam pear, and karela. While cultivated as a vegetable in many parts of Asia, in The Bahamas it is primarily valued for its medicinal properties.