Lignum Vitae

This beautiful tree stood on the edge of a watermelon field outside the cottage where we were staying in Jamaica earlier this year. It's called 'lignum vitae' meaning 'wood of life' and it's indigenous to the island. It produces the most wonderful tiny blue flowers, which unfortunately can't really be seen on this picture. It reminded me a lot of the jacaranda trees you see lining roads in Kenya.

Beyond the tree you can see down into a valley that was flooded with seawater by Hurricane Ivan. Then beyond that is the escarpment of the Santa Cruz mountains.

Details: Nikon D70, 18-70 lens @ 24mm, polariser, f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200. 22 February 2006, Treasure Beach, Jamaica. Placemark.