Caesalpinia coriaria

Caesalpinia coriaria is a leguminous tree or large shrub native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Common names include Divi-divi, Cascalote, Guaracabuya, Guatapana, Nacascol, and Watapana (Aruba).

Description

C. coriaria rarely reaches its maximum height of 9 m (30 ft) because its growth is contorted by the trade winds that batter the exposed coastal sites where it often grows. In other environments it grows into a low dome shape with a clear sub canopy space. Leaves are bipinnate, with 5-10 pairs of pinnae, each pinna with 15-25 pairs of leaflets; the individual leaflets are 7 mm long and 2 mm broad. The fruit is a twisted pod 5 cm (2.0 in) long.

The Divi-divi is one of the more well known species of Caesalpinia; it is the national tree of Curaçao. It is also very common and popular on Aruba.

Chemistry

Tannins are extracted from Divi-divi pods for use in leather production.

Among the molecules isolated is corilagin, whose name comes from the specific epithet of the plant.

Divi Divi Air

Divi Divi Air N.V. is a small regional service airline in the Curaçao. It was established in 2001 and is based on Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles, with ticket offices in both Curaçao and Bonaire. In the area its nickname is "e Divi Divi" ("The Divi Divi"). The airline is named for the Divi-divi tree which grows in the region.

Services

Divi Divi Air operates approximately 10 daily flights between Curaçao and Bonaire, with additional charter flights to sister island Aruba and the cities Punto Fijo and Valencia in South America. The Bonaire-Curaçao flight is about a 20- to 22-minute flight.

Scheduled Destinations

Kralendijk, Bonaire (Flamingo International Airport)

Willemstad, Curaçao (Hato International Airport) (Hub)

Charter Destinations

Oranjestad, Aruba (Queen Beatrix International Airport)

Las Piedras, Venezuela (Josefa Camejo International Airport)

Valencia, Venezuela (Arturo Michelena International Airport)

Fleet

The Divi Divi Air fleet consists of the following aircraft: