Top 20 Most Common Trees in Jamaica

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Jamaica

Jamaica's tropical climate and fertile soil provide an ideal environment for a diverse range of native trees. Among the emblematic species are Sycamore, Common hawthorn, and Mango tree. These trees hold great cultural and ecological value in Jamaica, serving as important sources of food, medicine, and timber. They also contribute to the preservation of the island's unique biodiversity.

Most Common Trees

Sycamore

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a tree native to Europe and Asia. Sycamore is tolerant of wind and coastal exposure. This species is known as the sycamore maple in the United States. Sycamore wood is commercially used to make musical instruments, furniture, joinery, wood flooring and kitchen utensils.

Common hawthorn

2. Common hawthorn

Common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a flowering tree that is actually part of the rose family. It is not unusual in garden settings and arranged as hedges. Examples of famous common hawthorn trees include the apocryphal oldest tree in France, and a well-known hawthorn in England that stood out for flowering three times a year.

European ash

3. European ash

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) is a large deciduous tree featured in Norse mythology and Scottish folklore. European ash is native to mainland Europe. This species is susceptible to the disease Ash dieback which is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. European ash often grows in basic soils on calcareous substrates.

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Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Tropical almond

5. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

Seagrape

The seagrape is native to tropical coastal areas in America and the Caribbean. It has many uses, including dune erosion control and ornamental plantings. The sap has been used for dyes and the wood is occasionally used for furniture. On some beaches, the seagrape is planted to help block the light from nearby buildings so that sea turtles won't be distracted by it and go off course.

Upland Cotton

8. Upland Cotton

Upland Cotton (*Gossypium hirsutum*) is the most commonly planted agricultural cotton. An annual to perennial shrub whose large yellow to white cup-shaped flowers bloom in summer. Flowers are replaced by the cotton boll which contains the cotton fiber and about 36 seeds. Grows best in full sun and in clay sandy or loamy well-drained soil.

Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Weeping fig

10. Weeping fig

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree native to Asia and Australia. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, known for its elegant, glossy leaves. However, people with allergies should avoid weeping fig, considering that it is a major source of indoor allergens. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruits.

Avocado

Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.

European beech

12. European beech

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a large deciduous tree often used for ornamental purposes. European beech tends to out-compete other tree species, due to its dense canopy and tolerance to shade. Its wood is highly valued and has a very diverse use, including making furniture, musical instruments, for construction, as firewood, charcoal, and plywood.

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Common holly

14. Common holly

Common holly (Ilex aquifolium) is an evergreen tree or shrub, recognized by the characteristic shape of its leaves and bright red berries. Its natural habitat is understories of oak and beech forests. Common holly is widely used in landscaping in temperate regions. Thick crown and prickly leaves make this plant excellent for hedges.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Soursop

Soursop (*Annona muricata*) is a tropical, evergreen tree that can grow up to 9 m tall. It produces the guanabana fruit, which ripens from mid-summer to mid-winter. The fruit is a spiky green pod with an aroma that smells like pineapple and tastes like a combination of strawberries and apples. The sweet yet sour fruit has a texture similar to that of a banana. The fruit can be eaten ripe or used to make juices and smoothies.

Sweet cherry

17. Sweet cherry

Sweet cherry is a well-known species to fruit lovers worldwide. This stone fruit varies in flavor from sweet to tart, depending on the specific cultivar. Sweet cherry is also used for lumber and is a preferred wood type for furniture.

Portia Tree

18. Portia Tree

Portia Tree (Thespesia populnea) is a tropical, evergreen tree valued for its rich, dark wood. Commonly found growing in coastal areas. Thrives in full sun with moist but well-drained soil. It is drought, wind and salt-tolerant. Edible leaves and fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. The bark, roots, leaves, flowers and fruit have been used medicinally.

Breadfruit

Breadfruit (*Artocarpus altilis*) is a tree grown in numerous locations around the world for its edible food, which is a staple in various countries. Breadfruit is native to New Guinea, the Malibu Islands, and the Philippines.

Apple

Apple is the most widely cultivated tree fruit around the globe. The three top apple-producing countries are China, the United States, and Poland with an economic impact of $3.55 billion in 2017. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples throughout the world.

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