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The Aruba divi divi tree is the island’s most iconic natural symbol — permanently bent by the trade winds and pointing southwest across every corner of the island. Here’s everything to know about the Aruba divi divi tree.

The divi divi tree (Caesalpinia coriaria) is Aruba’s most iconic natural symbol — the permanently bent tree whose shape is carved by the island’s relentless northeast trade winds. Every divi divi tree on the island points in the same direction, making them a natural compass. Here’s everything to know about them.

WHY THEY BEND: Aruba’s northeast trade winds blow consistently at 15–25 knots almost every day of the year. Divi divi trees grow in the direction of least resistance — bending away from the prevailing wind and pointing permanently to the southwest. Because the trade winds blow from the same direction year-round, every divi divi on the island ends up pointing the same way. They’re often called Aruba’s natural compass — if you’re lost on the island, find a divi divi tree and you know which direction is southwest.