The Famous Trees of Aruba: Fofoti Tree & Divi-Divi Tree

One of the most iconic views of “One Happy Island” is the famous Fofoti tree in Aruba located on Eagle Beach. While it is by far the most famous, it is not the only tree you need to be aware of. In fact, there are a few Aruba trees to learn about: The Fofoti tree, the Divi-Divi tree, the Watapana tree, and the Kwihi tree.

Dive in to learn all about these trees, how they differ, and why they are such a well-known symbol of Aruba.

Fofoti Tree vs. Divi-Divi Tree vs. Kwihi Tree

The terms “Fofoti tree”, “Divi-Divi tree”, “Divi tree”, “Watapana tree”, and “Kwihi tree” are often used interchangeably by visitors to Aruba, but in fact, they are not all the same tree. There are a few key differences. The most distinguishing factor? The Divi-Divi tree, known as the Watapana tree locally and also called just the Divi tree, is found inland around the island while the Fofoti tree is found on the beaches of Aruba and Kwihi in Arikok National Park.

While these trees do look alike, they have slight differences. For example, the Divi and Fofoti trees both grow in the Southwest direction, but they grow at different angles. Let’s take a look at a few more distinguishing factors.

Divi Divi Tree (Watapana)

Scientific name: Caesalpinia coriaria or Libidibia coriaria
Common names: Watapana tree, cascalote, guaracabuya, guatapana, nacascol, or tan yong
Symbolism: Aruba’s “natural compass”

The divi divi tree is one of the most iconic sights in Aruba. It’s instantly recognizable by its sideways, wind-sculpted shape, permanently bent by the constant northeast trade winds that blow across the island.

How to Identify a Divi Divi:

• Shape: Always leans southwest due to the wind.
• Leaves: Small, feathery, and bright green.
• Trunk: Twisted and smooth, often close to the ground.
• Pods: Brown, flat, and curved, rich in tannins once used for tanning leather.
• Location: Found mostly in open, windy coastal areas.

Fun Fact: The divi divi is so reliable in its wind-shaped lean that locals often joke it can help you navigate if you get lost. It always points southwest.

Fofoti Tree

Scientific name: Conocarpus erectus (buttonwood mangrove)
Symbolism: The famous tree of Eagle Beach

The fofoti tree looks quite similar to the divi divi, and many visitors confuse the two, especially because the fofoti trees at Eagle Beach are among Aruba’s most photographed landmarks. However, there are clear differences.

How to Identify a Fofoti:

• Shape: Also bent by the wind, but typically grows closer to the sand and sometimes has multiple exposed roots.
• Leaves: Broader, thicker, and glossier than those of the divi divi.
• Trunk: Gnarled and weathered, often with visible roots twisting above the sand.
• Pods: Small, round button-like fruit clusters (hence the name buttonwood).
• Location: Primarily found along beaches and coastal lagoons, especially Eagle Beach.

Fun Fact: The fofoti at Eagle Beach is often mistaken for the divi divi in photos, but it’s actually a different species entirely. It’s become one of Aruba’s most iconic photo spots.

Kwihi Tree (Mesquite)

Scientific name: Prosopis juliflora
Symbolism: A tree of strength and survival

The kwihi tree is more rugged and less windswept than the other two. It’s a true desert survivor, thriving in the dry, rocky interior of Aruba, especially inside Arikok National Park.

How to Identify a Kwihi:

• Shape: Upright or umbrella-shaped with a dense canopy.
• Leaves: Small and dark green, forming thick foliage.
• Trunk: Thick, sturdy, and covered in sharp thorns.
• Pods: Long, yellowish, and sweet, often eaten by goats and used as livestock feed.
• Location: Found inland, away from the coast.

Fun Fact: Kwihi wood burns hot and long, making it prized for traditional Aruban barbecues and charcoal.

Feature	Divi Divi (Watapana)	Fofoti	Kwihi (Mesquite)
Shape	Windswept, leaning southwest	Windswept, often near sand with exposed roots	Upright, umbrella-shaped
Leaves	Small, light green, feathery	Broad, glossy, oval	Small, dark green, dense
Trunk	Twisted, smooth	Gnarled, exposed roots	Thick, thorny
Pods/Fruit	Flat, brown, curved pods	Small, round fruit clusters	Long, yellowish sweet pods
Habitat	Coastal plains and open areas	Beaches and coastal lagoons	Dry, rocky interior
Thorns	None	None	Yes
Famous Locations	Found island-wide	Eagle Beach	Arikok National Park
Symbolism	Aruba’s “natural compass”	Iconic photo tree	Symbol of strength and endurance

Symbolism of the Divi-Divi Tree

You’ll find the Divi-Divi tree used as a symbol all around Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – the Dutch ABC Islands. This popular Aruba tree is considered a symbol of resilience and adaptability. Because of this, you’ll often see them used in local literature and art to represent the strength of the people of Aruba in the face of challenging conditions.

One of my favorite places it’s used? The Balashi beer bottles. It’s one of many instances of the trees having a broad recognition across the island.

Why do trees grow sideways in Aruba?

The characteristic sideways or southwestward growth of trees in Aruba, particularly the Watapana tree and Fofoti tree, is primarily influenced by the prevailing trade winds in the region. The consistent and strong trade winds blow from the east to the west across the Caribbean making the trees lean Southwest. This makes them like a natural compass on the island.

The trees in Aruba have evolved to grow with a distinctive shape to adapt to these persistent winds. They exhibit a pronounced slant or bend in the direction of the prevailing winds. Sometimes they look downright mangled by the wind.

This adaptation is a survival strategy to reduce wind resistance and avoid damage to the tree’s structure allowing these trees to thrive in the challenging coastal conditions of Aruba.

Visit the Most Famous Fofoti Trees on Eagle Beach

While there are many Fofoti trees around Aruba, there is in fact, a set of two renown trees you’ll want to put at the top of your things to do in Aruba list.

Eagle Beach in Aruba is known for its beautiful white sands and the presence of the famous Fofoti Tree. This famous tree on Eagle Beach can be found in the low-rise hotel area across from Amsterdam Manor Hotel. Make sure to swing by and admire this beautiful tree, and the one next to it, with their picture perfect location.

This windswept tree is a popular spot for photography – particularly at sunrise and sunset. It is also a symbol of Aruba’s natural beauty. Depending what time of day you visit, you may find people lounging around the tree using it for shade or even weddings taking place. To help keep this famous Aruba tree intact, please avoid climbing on it or leaning on it.

While I understand the appeal of using it for shade, be forewarned that you will be in numerous pictures throughout the day and potentially even be asked to move for photos. I personally recommend appreciating the trees beauty, taking a few pictures, and then seeking shelter from the sun in a different location to keep this beautiful iconic tree of Aruba free for all visitors to enjoy.

Why is the Fofoti Tree famous?

With so many trees in Aruba, what makes this particular Fofoti Tree so famous? Well, once you visit you might have the answer, but for now, let me leave it at this. The picturesque silhouette of the Fofoti Tree against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and white sandy beaches makes it one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on the island – particularly at sunrise and sunset.

This perfect scene is what draws so many visitors to Eagle Beach to literally stare at and photograph a tree. Trust me – you want to join them!