[1] Island systems tend to be rich centres of endemism as a result of their isolation.
The islands of the Greater Antilles have rates of endemism which range from 12 to 50% of their flora.
[2] Trinidad and Tobago has a far lower rate of endemism, probably as a result of its geological history.
The islands of Trinidad and Tobago lie on the South American continental shelf, and were both connected to the mainland during the Pleistocene.
[1] The flora of Trinidad and Tobago has been estimated to include about 2,500 vascular plant species.