Prior to European settlement, the Caribbean was dominated by forested ecosystems. The insular Caribbean has been considered a biodiversity hotspot. Although species diversity is lower than on mainland systems, endemism is high.
Species diversity is highest and endemism is lowest in Trinidad, which has a predominantly continental flora. Endemism is highest in Cuba and Hispaniola, the largest members of the Greater Antilles.
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—Vladimir Mayakovsky (1893–1930)
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—F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940)
“Then now is the chance for the flowers
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It must be now, though, in season
Before the not mowing brings trees on....”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
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—Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960)