Types of Flowers in Jamaica

Jamaica, with its warm climate and rich, fertile soil, is a haven for masses of spectacularly colorful and showy tropical flowers. Some are flowering trees, including the national flower of Jamaica, while others are flowerings shrubs. All are stunning and indicative of the beauty of the country.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus (Hibiscus sp.) is a very popular tropical flower in Jamaica and other tropical and sub-tropical climates. The plant comes in a wide variety of colors, from deep red to pale pink, yellow, cream and other similar shades. The dark green, glossy leaves contrast nicely with the trumpet-shaped flowers. Hibiscus is especially desirable for home gardeners in Jamaica because it is a very hardy, fast-growing plant.

Poinciana

Poinciana (Delonix regia) blooms with red, orange or yellow flowers from June to September. The leaves look much like ferns and are bright green in color, which contrasts nicely with the brightly colored flowers. The plant is not native to Jamaica but to Madagascar.

Lignum Vitae

This small, blue flower is the national flower of Jamaica. The bloom is actually part of a hardwood tree (Guaiacum sp.). The Latin name, lignum vitae, means "tree of life," which is symbolic of how useful this tree is to the people of Jamaica. Almost all parts are used, including the heavy wood, sap, blossoms, leaves and bark, the latter four traditionally used for medicinal purposes. The tree itself is highly attractive, with a rounded canopy, a profusion of blue flowers and the production of bright orange fruit.

Love Bush

The love bush (Cuscuta sp.) is a parasitic plant that is widely found growing on other plants across Jamaica. The flower is entirely leafless and, being parasitic, gets its nutrients from the plants it covers and grows on. The stems of the love bush, which are covered in small white flowers, are thin and flexible, giving them the ability to climb over and around other plants.