Banyan Tree Allée

Gasparilla Island’s block-long Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) Allée was planted circa 1915 in the area that would become Boca Grande.
Planted by employees of Boca Grande Land Company, the trees are the most intact landscape feature of the island’s early development as a winter retreat favored by the wealthy. The thirty-one banyan trees that line Banyan Street have been pounded by four major hurricanes and countless tropical storms in their ninety-two year existence. Along with the high winds and salt spray associated with these massive storms, the trees have been subjected at times to unusual freezing temperatures on the unprotected island. These trees have demonstrated their ability to stand steadfast in the face of these extreme weather bursts, although they do require continued maintenance and care.