Gommier

The Gommier tree is a towering tree species found throughout Dominica’s rainforests and is known for its historical and ecological significance. Reaching nearly 120 feet, the tree has long been used by the indigenous people of Dominica, the Kalinago, for making traditional canoes. Its resin, which can be collected from its trunk, has also been used for medicinal purposes and local crafts.

The Gommier tree is often spotted in protected areas such as the Northern Forest Reserve and Morne Trois Pitons National Park, and Emerald Pool where it contributes to the stability of the forest ecosystem by preventing soil erosion and providing a habitat for wildlife. The tree is particularly admired for its straight trunk and thick roots, which add to the overall diversity of Dominica’s lush tropical forests.

Gommier’s Ecological and Cultural Importance

In addition to its ecological role, the Gommier tree is deeply rooted in Dominica’s cultural history. The Kalinago people, who traditionally inhabited the island, used the tree for building sturdy dugout canoes, a practice that continues in some communities today.