The Bananaquit and Ginger Thomas Add Powerful Beauty to the Islands

St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is known as one of the most stunning places in the world, with its dazzling aquamarine waters, relaxing beaches, and slow island vibes. 

But one of its most invaluable elements is the vibrant, abundant wildlife. 

Meet the bananquit and the ginger thomas. The official bird and flower of the U.S. Virgin Islands that add to the brilliance of St. Thomas’ beauty. 

The Bananaquit

The official bird of St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands is the bananaquit, or the Coereba Flaveola. 

This eye-catching, yellow-bellied little bird loves sugar and sweet nectar. 

The bananaquit has a grey face with a bold white stripe, almost reminiscent of an eyebrow. 

According to CornellLabs’ allaboutbirds.org, their song and plumage are highly varied, but their high activity levels are not. 

They have a sharp, curved bill that can delve into the hearts of flowers to drink nectar. 

Bananaquits can even hang upside down to extract it. 

In addition, they eat small fruit and some insects. 

Some brazen little souls are even willing to steal sugar from restaurant tables when the opportunity arises. 

The bananaquit has a generally high, sharp, and raspy song and is found from the Bahamas and northern South America to Jamaica and Hispaniola. 

They nest in shrubs or trees, from 5 feet to sometimes as high as 49 feet. 

Further, nests are domed structures with a side entrance, built in a fork or limb of a tree or shrub.

When you see one hopping around the flowering plants of Charlotte Amalie, you might wanna say hello. 

The Ginger Thomas

Ginger thomas, also known as Tecoma Stans, yellow elder, yellow trumpetbush, or yellow bells, is the official flower of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

This tree, with its yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, has a distinctive champagne-like scent and can be used to treat a variety of ailments according to heritage.vi. 

Tecoma Stans is hardy and thrives in dry, hot, sun-drenched climates. 

Also, it is common in the mainland U.S. in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. 

Scientific research on the use of Tecoma Stans in these remedies is limited (there have not been extensive trials or sufficient human research), but the plant has been used traditionally for a long time.

Click on the links for some available scientific research on these uses. 

• It may be used for antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits in skin infections or minor wounds, including those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. 
• Indigenous remedies using Tecoma Stans for fever, coughs, colds, and headaches were common. 
• Tecoma Stans may have anti-inflammatory qualities and can be used to treat insect bites or rashes. 
• Studies even suggest that ginger thomas contains bioactive compounds and free radicals that inhibit the spread of certain cancers. 

Finally, this bright, enticing plant brings a smile wherever it grows, and St. Thomas is no exception. 

These amazing signs of life are only the beginning of the splendor you will find on the island. 

To enjoy a clean, comfortable, friendly, and truly enjoyable stay with plenty of amenities, in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, book with the Windward Passage Hotel today for your dream St. Thomas vacation!