Jamaica enjoys a tropical climate, so with hot weather all year round like that, what plants can thrive in this country?
Are you interested in stunning plants from Jamaica? If so, our post today might bring you useful information about this field.
Here we will share the top 22+ plants of Jamaica, which you should not ignore.
Follow us now to get into details.
Overall About Top Plants From Jamaica
Jamaica belongs to one of the most diverse Caribbean islands, where it is rich in animal life and native plants.
Regarding Jamaica plants, we can not miss the wetlands and forests in which it has long been a home to over 3,000 species of plant.
Although there is the truth that deforestation is getting more numerous, forests here are still a refuge for a diversity of endemic flora, fortunately.
The remaining species consist of flowers of Jamaica, rosewood trees, ebony, and mahogany.
In particular, this land is also the cradle of more than 550 species of fern, 200 species of orchids, and around 60 sorts of bromeliads.
Peaks are full of bearded mosses and low-mountain forests, and valleys are covered with palm trees.
Most fruits planted and grown on the island, such as the akee, coconuts, citrus fruits, cassava, aubergines, and bananas, are highly appreciated.
Alright, now we should know what plants grow in Jamaica which best fit with Jamaica’s climate.
List Of 22+ Plants In Jamaica
The list of Jamaican flora is quite long, spanning from coat buttons, Madagascar periwinkle, golden pothos, artillery plant, white mangrove, tropical almond, turkey berry to crown of thorns, and much more.
Coat Buttons
Coat Buttons (a.k.a Cadillo Chisaca) is derived from the tropical Americas and lapses into an encroaching weed from all parts of the world.
It creates stiff fruit wrapped with hard hairs and arrowhead-formed white or yellow flowers.
This endemic plant is supposed to be invasive when it generates roughly 1,500 of these stiff fruits for each plant.
Madagascar Periwinkle
People also call Madagascar periwinkle old mail or bright eyes, which is a herbaceous or tropical evergreen plant. The beautiful species grows based on a long run of cultivation.
In recent years, various cultivars have been directed a lot of attention to development. One of the most special aims of the plan is to help it tolerate the cold better or a combination of new colors.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos (a.k.a) is a prevalent flowering houseplant that is popularly cultivated in the West Indies, Asia, and Australia. It is commonly referred to by many different names, such as Hunter’s robe or devil’s ivy.
The latter stems from its suppleness which isn’t easy to kill and can also thrive in the darkness. The Ivy arums have poisonous sap; thus, you should keep children and pets away from them.
Artillery Plant
is commonly used as an ornamental or a groundcover in various landscapes, Artillery plant is not to miss on this list.
It’s also known as Pistol plant because its males generate pollen in the explosive method.
The best site for the development of the plant is a humid environment with indirect sunlight or partial shade. This species belongs to one of the most common plants planted in most indoor-rock gardens.
White Mangrove
It isn’t hard to catch some white mangrove (a.k.a. Laguncularia racemosa) worldwide in subtropical and tropical areas, including Jamaica.
The plant thrives in the coastal regions of lagoons, bays, and tidal creeks.
Its branches are a host of various coastal birds, and its roots are nursery shelters for different fish species.
In addition, this native tree offers crucial buffers to withstand the impact of storms along the coastlines.
Tropical Almond
The tree (a.k.a False Kamani) is grown popularly as an ornamental plant. Thanks to their big leaves, they are highly valued for their ability to create shade.
Furthermore, fish breeders usually use these leaves, which can lessen heavy metal content as well as the pH of the water in aquariums. Though their nuts are edible, their taste is a bit acidic.
Turkey Berry
The Turkey berry is an erect and spiny perennial tree that generates tubular, white flowers followed by edible berries.
These fruits taste bitter and are commonly used in sauces and soups. You can call it with other monikers, such as Pea aubergine, Pea eggplant, Prickly nightshade, or Platebrush.
Crown of Thorns
The plant (a.k.a Euphorbia milii) has been honored as the Christ thorn or the Crown of thorn when it is supposed to be the species related to the crown thorn that Christ put on.
This tree grows best when staying in a full-sun environment where it is above 10 ℃.
Golden Dewdrops
The plant (a.k.a skyflower) belongs to one of the most prevalent ornamental-sprawling shrubs encountered in tropical and subtropical gardens around the world.
Its light purple flowers are usually dropped by hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant is regarded as a weed in some areas of East Asia, South Africa, and Australia.
Red Mangrove
Let’s welcome another member in the Mangrove family, the red mangrove or Rhizophora mangle. It is a perennial one that can grow up to 9 meters tall, flourishing in swampy salt marshes and brackish water.
The plant is a self-pollinator, so its seeds turn into completely mature plants even before leaving the branch.
These seed pods are afloat on the water till meeting shore, where they start thriving immediately.
Ti Plant
Ti plant (a.k.a cabbage palm) is a kind of palm shrub that represents the link between the dead and the living for Austronesian cultures, including various ceremonial purposes.
In addition, the ti plant is used for ornamentation and to make some dyes in terms of practical aspects. This is also a striking addition to your botanical garden.
Jalapeño Peppers
As familiar as it is, especially in the United States, Jalapeño is popularly utilized for cooking in regions such as Central America and the Southern U.S.
Most peppers bring a moderately spicy taste. However, a wide range of variants recently has existed, and the spice degree might change remarkably.
Moreover, pepper plants can give ingredients to produce cayenne powder for cooking in many areas.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, or Poison arum, is well-known for the gentle patterns and look of its foliage, which is quite variegated. The tree produces showy white flowers yet just blooms in ideal conditions.
Yet, the plant is poisonous, so be careful when you catch it. If the sap touches your interior throat by chance, it can trigger muteness for up to around 14 days by numbing the vocal cords and throat.
Upland Cotton
The plant (a.k.a Golden Cotton) belongs to the most common agricultural cotton. The tree has big white to yellow cup-formed blossoms that bloom in the hot weather.
Cotton balls will sprout from flowers, which include around 36 seeds and cotton fiber.
Mango Tree
Apart from small flowery plants, big trees like mango are also native to this island country. The region has the best reputation for the delicious tropical fruit that is exported to many parts of the world.
These fruit trees are in great demand in the Philippines and Pakistan. Also, after the mango tree’s cycle of fruit production ends, they might be utilized for wood.
This kind of wood is much appreciated for creating musical instruments.
Snake Plant
Not only supposed to be part of architectural design but also of indoor plants. They have bold striping patterns on sword-like leaves, which are eye-catching and distinctive.
However, be careful with this species since it’s poisonous and might cause vomiting, nausea, and even swelling of the tongue as well as throat when ingested.
Chinese Hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus (a.k.a Hawaiian hibiscus) is a small blossom plant. It has a reputation for its wonderfully fragrant flowers around the world, resulting in various cultivated variants.
Interestingly, not only famous in Jamaica, the hibiscus plant is also the Malaysian national flower and is even featured on the coins of the country.
Jungle Geranium
The plant (a.k.a. the flame of the woods) is a common warm-temperature garden shrub because of its unique and versatile, right light red leaves.
They might be planted in flower beds, as separate small trees, or even as a fence.
Common Coleus
Also known as Coleus blumei, this species comes in various leaf forms and colors. The hot and humid climate in Jamaica is its favorable conditions for growth.
Interestingly, it is regarded as one of medicinal plants in some cultures. In Mexico, the herb is judged as a narcotic.
Lima Bean
The plant (a.k.a Butter beans) is a perennial herbaceous species, an annual creeping or bushy plant whose stem might reach 2-4 meters long. Its petals are sometimes purple, often light green.
Jamaica is the heaven for Butter beans, as they love full sun. These beans are nutritional and a staple in many meals.
Native Orchid
When it comes to the native flowers of Jamaica, we have around 60 breeds. Each of them shows a unique charm that can catch your eyes at first sight.
Some popular ones aren’t hard to find in the place, such as Jacquiniella, Pleurothallis, Lepanthes, Elleanthus, or Habenaria.
Other Flowering Plants
Besides the above species, we can not miss some outstanding names regarding Jamaican plants, like desert cassia, partridge pea, or Spanish needle.
Also, the national tree of jamaica is Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus Elatus), while one of its national flower of jamaica belongs to blue lignum vitae.
All contribute their efforts to the flora diversity in the area. These indigenous plants all love the hot climate of Jamaica, so you can easily spot them along this nation.
Final Thoughts
There is a wide range of plants from Jamaica. We have just listed the Top 22+ common endemic species; you can be interested in their look or patterns.
Knowing the list and the favorable conditions of each one can help you learn how to cultivate them more easily (if you want).
If you find any interesting breed in the region, don’t hesitate to share with us. We are always willing to receive your point of view.
