Native plant Nursery

A platform for research and a tool for conservation, highlighting the floristic diversity of Curacao

What we Do

CARMABI's native plant nursery is where we conduct our research on Curacao's native plant species. We cultivate native plant species from seeds as to better understand their ecological niches, lifecycles and to identify optimum germination conditions.

The nursery is also an important tool for the conservation of Curacao's nature. We promote the importance of our native plant species and, when needed, restore natural areas. We sell native plant species for use in your garden and landscaping projects. We also offer advice on all topics related to native plant species of Curacao, from species identification to suitable species for your garden and general nursery practices.

If you are looking for more information on our native plants or if you want to visit our nursery, please contact Eric Houtepen (e.houtepen@carmabi.org).

Why use native plant species

The diversity of native plants together form the iconic vegetation of Curacao. From the lush seasonal river valley vegetation to the thorny scrub and cacti vegetation or the evergreen limestone vegetation, beautiful native plant species are found everywhere.

These plants are also ideal candidates for use in your garden and landscaping projects as they have several benefits over using exotic imported plant species. Native plant species:

Promote biodiversity and provide food and shelter for our wildlife.
Safeguard our natural heritage.
Require less water, fertilizer and pesticides.
Protect against erosion and runoff and increase water retention.
Pose no risk of invading our natural vegetation.
Pose no risk of introducing pests and diseases.

Selected species

The nursery currently is home to around 100 native plant species, from very rare and often range restricted species to more common species of the vegetation of Curacao. We grow trees, shrubs, herbs and vines as to include all aspects of Curacao's nature and are continuously expending our selection.

The many different native plant species of the CARMABI native plant nursery are a true representation of the local vegetation. A selection of available species is found below.