Botanical Services Saint Lucia
Need information on Saint Lucia's plants? Then you are in the right place!
Roger Graveson has been studying the flora of Saint Lucia since 1995. A biogist by training, he and Melvin spent over over 15 years exploring all parts of this small but complex island. Several thousand collections were made to substantiate a documented list of about 1500 species of flowering plants, gynmnosperms and ferns. In addition he has been involved in many research projects and technical reports and Environmental Impact Assessments. His databases enable illustrated species lists to be produced. He and Melvin are still active in the field, having completed several projects in 2024.
Melvin Smith has been working in the field with Roger Graveson for over twenty years and is able to identify almost all Saint Lucian wild plant species on sight. He has also a good general knowlege of native bird species. As a traditional farmer he is an expert on local crops. He has been in charge of a project replanting native species on Sandy Beach and also propogating juniper trees from the summit of Petit Piton. He organizes small group tours to the Mamiku valley which has small farms, riparian and rain forest and a charming waterfall for which he has built a trail. He also leads tours in other parts of Saint Lucia In 2021 he was a recipient of the prestigous Disney Conservation Award