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Kadushi (Candelabra cactus)

Cereus repandus

The Peruvian apple cactus is a columnar cactus that can grow between 6 and 10 meters high. In some cases even 12 meters high. The trunk of the cactus resembles a tree trunk and can grow up to 40-45 centimeters in diameter. The kadushi behind the QR code is approximately 75 years old! Animals use the dense part that has the shape of a candlestick to make nests. The fruit of the kadushi is called tampaña. It is edible for humans and also very popular with birds, such as the prikichi. This cactus is sometimes difficult to distinguish from another columnar cactus called datu.

The traditional dish sòpi di kadushi is made from young branches. The green chlorophyll strip just under the cactus skin is taken from the branch of the cactus and mashed finely. Salted meat, fish, karkó (conch) and dried shrimp are also added to the soup. The soup is served with funchi (polenta).

This specific cactus species only occurs on the Caribbean islands and in a part of South America.

Troupial / Trupial / Oranje Troepiaal

Icterus icterus

The troupial is a striking bird that is common on Curaçao. Its rich, melodious call is often one of the first sounds you hear in the morning. Due to its bright orange color, this bird is very noticeable when it sits on cacti, in trees or bushes.

An adult troupial has a shiny orange plumage with contrasting black parts on the head, throat and wings. They grow to about 24 cm in size. Young birds have a somewhat more yellow color, which is why they are sometimes confused with the yellow oriole. Adult troupials are territorial animals and fiercely defend their territory against intruders. Their noisy call and impressive behavior make this quite a spectacle.

The troupial eats fruits, insects, eggs and sometimes even young birds of other species. For nest building, it often chooses the kadushi columnar cacti, but it also sometimes steals the nest of another bird!

This bird is found on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao and in parts of northern South America, like Venezuela and Colombia. It feels especially at home in dry, open areas with many thorn bushes and cacti. More information about the troupial is available on this website: https://ebird.org/species/ventro1/CW.