Jamaica’s tropical climate is perfect for growing exotic flowers and orchids. It also has many species of native plants that thrive in this climate.
The national flower of Jamaica is actually a tree: the blue mahoe. It is a fast-growing plant that creates stunning blue flowers. Its fruit is in a spiked shell that turns maroon red when ripe.
Lignum vitae
Jamaica is famous for its beautiful beaches, but did you know it also has a wide variety of plants? One of these is the Lignum vitae, which is also the national flower of Jamaica. This tree is short and compact, and its flowers produce a profusion of blue. It is native to South Florida, Central America and the Caribbean. It is an evergreen and thrives in dry coastal areas.
The wood is a unique dark greenish-brown to almost black color. It is one of the densest timbers known to commerce, with a Janka hardness of 4500 pounds per cubic inch. The wood has a pleasant, soft fragrance and a natural gum resin that is responsible for about 30% of its weight.
To keep your lignum vitae healthy, fertilize it sparingly at the base with a slow-release product. It does not require supplemental watering when it grows in-ground, but it will need to be watered more often if you grow it indoors.
Poinciana
This flowering tree is a popular choice for tropical gardens. It grows 30 to 50 feet tall and produces large clusters of orange-red flowers. It is semi-evergreen and thrives in rich organic soils. However, it is not suited for planting near sidewalks or other types of paved structures because its roots can lift and damage them. It should also be kept away from other paved areas, because dropping branches and seed pods can create a mess.
The royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is a tropical or subtropical tree in the bean family, Fabaceae. It is grown as an ornamental tree throughout the world and has become naturalized in many places. It is sometimes considered an invasive species, especially in Australia, where it competes with native plants for sunlight. The leaves are fernlike and bipinnate, up to 50 cm long. It blooms in the summer, producing flamboyant displays of orange-red flowers. It can also be propagated from seeds, which are usually soaked in water for 24 hours before planting in warm, moist soil.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are used all over the world for tea, but they’re also delicious in jellies, salads, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C and are very low in calories, making them a healthy alternative to sugary sodas and fruit juices. They can be found in bulk bins or cellophane packages at many Latin grocery stores, and you can also find them online.
The hibiscus flower is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that thrives in most tropical and subtropical climates. It’s also a favorite for making tea, and it can be served hot or cold. The tea is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and it can be sweetened with honey, agave nectar, or piloncillo.
Hibiscus tea is popular in Jamaica, Trinidad, and other Caribbean islands. It’s also known as sorrel, roselle, bissap, and chai torsh in West Africa, Gul e Khatmi in Iran and Pakistan, and agua de jamaica in Mexico and Central America.
Love bush
Jamaica is a country with a deep spiritual heritage. It is home to the largest number of churches in the Caribbean, and religion has a strong influence on daily life. Religious knowledge is taught as part of the school curriculum, and public prayer is common at national events and within schools.
The plant known as love bush or dodder (Cuscuta sp.) is rampant on this island and throughout the Caribbean. Lacking chlorophyll of its own, it parasitizes more self-sufficient plants by sending tendrils — thick orange strings – ten, twenty, thirty feet across the sand to find a host. Once hooked, the parasite engulfs its host, sucking its vital juices dry.
Many visitors are taken by Jamaica’s irie spirit and laid-back lifestyle. Taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this tropical paradise is a soothing experience for people coming from fast-paced cities. The island’s tranquility is so alluring that some even feel that time slows down on the island.