A paradise for nature lovers...

Thanks to the warm and wet climate, and the various soils, the flora and fauna of Jamaica is of impressive beauty.
In the 15th century most of the island was covered by forests. And even today, some of these forests still exist and offer a fascinating piece of nature to its visitor...

Flora
The only native fruits of Jamaica were guava, the sweetstop, the pineapple and (not for sure) the starapple. All others were imported by the immigrants, started by Columbus him selves.
Those immigrants felled the forests from the plains in the coastal regions. Sugar cane, bananas, coconut and citrus were planted, most by the Spanish in the first place.

Ackee, part of Jamaica's national dish, is not a native plant, but arrived with the West African slaves somewhere in the 18th century. Breadfruit came from India, it is said by William Blight, captain of the Bounty. Cassava, maize and tobacco were brought by the Awaraks.

A special place is reserved for the Ortanique, a cross-fertilization of the orange and the tangerine. It is not a beauty, but is tastes great. The word 'ortanique' should be a composition of 'orange', 'tangerine' and 'unique'. Most growing of the Ortanique can be found in Mandeville and its environs.


Flowers and more
Nearly 3,000 varieties of flowering plants can be found in Jamaica, from which about 800 found nowhere else on our planet.
Most impressive in number are: more the 200 varieties of orchids and about 600 varieties of ferns. The 'Wild Pine', or bromeliad, also is represented in Jamaica with about 60 varieties.

Besides the colorful flowers in Jamaica, some 'green' plants also are worth to take a look at. Many, many palm trees, moss-covered tree trunks, stunded elfin forests, succulents and cacti, it is all there.
Very cute is Jamaica's 'Old Mens Beard', a local plant (sort of mistletoe) that drips from the many power lines along the roads and in townships.

Bamboo is very common in Jamaica, but originally it comes from China. However, most varieties flourishes very well on the island. Bamboo Avenue in St. Elizabeth is a good example of this (unfortunately Bamboo Avenue was seriously damaged by hurricane Ivan in September 2004).
Special and exotic are the trangles of vines, which can ben found all over the island. The 'Cacoon', a giant pea vine, produces seed which is stewed and eaten by the Maroons.

The national tree of Jamaica, the Blue Mahoe, and the puple blossomed Lignum Vitae, Jamaica's national flower, are both native.

Herbs
Yes, we know, the most famous herb of Jamaica is Ganja or Marijuana or Cannabis Sativa. This unofficial export product grows very well in Jamaica's warm and moist climate, but is not a native plant. It is imported by the workers from East India, who came to Jamaica after the emancipation, and now is an important part of culture in -and out- Jamaica.

The Pimento, however, is a native herb. A combination of nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper would be the best description of it. Piment is indispensable committed to the Jamaican cuisine (Jerk chicken, allspices-sauce...).


Animal life
Of course, the animal life in Jamaica is much interesting as well. However, there are not much mammalians in Jamaica. There are rabbits and the mongoose was introduced by the British. The mongoose was very useful in the fight against the rats, which were a threat for the plantations.

About 25 bat varieties are known in Jamaica. The native coney, a relative of the rat, lives underground and has been very rare.

Crocs
Currently the population of the Jamaican Crocodile is recovering a little bit, thanks to the decision of the government to make the Great Morass a National Park. Before that the crocodiles were a favorite target of hunters and traders.

The iguana had bad luck too: it was the favorite lunch of the mongoose (and of the human being...). Frogs and lizards can be found everywhere and the big (but gentle) manatee still lives along the south coast.

The coast
Sea life in Jamaica is not much different from the other Caribbean islands, which means it is beautiful. An impressive coral reef is a Mecca for divers and the snorkeling non-diver.
In the shallow water you will find the elkhorn, staghorn and brain coral. Leaf, plate and mountainous star coral grows a little deeper.

Parrotfish, snapper, trumpetfish. grouper, grunt... They're are there and wonderful to watch. Sometimes a ray or barracuda passes the reef. And, sure, dolphins are around the island and if you are lucky you see a few in real life.


In the air
Most well-known bird in Jamaica is the National Bird, called Doctor Bird. It is a native songbird with a long colorfultail and family of the hummingbird.

But there are many, many more birds who love Jamaica just as we do. Normally about 150 birds live in Jamaica all year. But when the snow reaches North America, a lot of birds from there choose to get a little southerly for a while...

Some 250 varieties are been counted (autumn included), and about 20 of them are native.
The Blackbird, Parrot (in many, many colors), Egret, John Crow Turkey Buzzard..., these are just a few of all flying colors of Jamaica.

Bird spotting can be very fascinating in Jamaica. The the Rocklands Bird Feeding Station near Montego Bay also is a good place to learn more about Jamaica's bird life.