Jamaican plants
Browse plants by use
A man weaving a hat from palm fronds
Explore the Jamaican plants below and discover some fascinating uses for them. They were recorded by Sloane more than 300 years ago and some are still used in the same way today.
We want to hear your stories
We've started this project with just 25 of the 800 or more plants that Sloane collected. If you know a use for or have a story about a Caribbean plant that isn’t on our list, tell us. We'll see if we can add the plant to our database.
Browse the plants by types of use, below, or by plant name, in the Select a plant at the top right.
Food
Most of the food plants Sloane described are still grown and eaten today. Find out what he said, and what he couldn’t stomach.
Do you know a recipe, or have a memory of a food you loved, or loathed! Select a plant to add your comment.
Medicine
As a doctor, Sloane was keen to learn as much as he could about local herbal remedies. Compare what he found with what traditional herbalists use today.
Do you still use plant remedies, or remember some from childhood? You can add your own story on each plant page.
Construction
Plants have been used to build with ever since our ancestors settled down. Find out which Jamaican trees give the best timber and roofing and add your own comment.
Clothing
Fibres from plants such as cotton and hemp are used to make clothes, but which Jamaican plants are used? Find out by browsing these plants and add your own story.
Cosmetics
From lotions to lipstick, Jamaica’s plants provide wonderful ingredients. Explore them here, and add a story of your own.
Other
Plant products are as important today as they were in Sloane’s time. Explore some unusual uses by selecting a plant below, and add your own story.