The vegetation of Beata and Alta Vela Islands, Hispaniola

Abstract

This article explores the unique flora of two small islands located off the southern tip of the Barahona Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. These islands, Beata and Alta Vela, are geologically connected to the peninsula and hold significant ecological and historical importance in the Caribbean. The study focuses on the arid and desert-like ecosystems of the region, which feature a rich array of endemic plant species. Prior to this research, botanical records for these islands were sparse, with Beata only briefly visited by botanists and Alta Vela entirely absent from existing documentation. Howard’s work provides valuable insights into the biodiversity of these underexplored areas of the Greater Antilles.