Jacaranda Tree Jacaranda mimosafolia D. Don or Jacaranda acutifolia HUMB. and BONPL. or Jacaranda cuspidifolia
Just after dropping its feathery leaves, the jacaranda bursts into purple blooms. It is maybe best identified by the 18" flat seed pods which are almost always hanging from the tree, but don't mistake it for a flamboyant which has the same sort of seed pods. It reaches its full height of forty to sixty feet when mature when it will also have a fifty foot spread. It is a common tree in Taxco and in almost all parts of Mexico.
Benefits: In Panama the bark is used in treating skin diseases.
From: The jacaranda originated in Brazil according to one botanist or in northwestern Argentina according to another. Still others believe its origin to have been in Central and South America and the Caribbean. The Jacaranda is also very common in South Africa, so who knows?
Planting and Care: It does best in full sun and it will tolerate a long dry season, eight months in most of Mexico. Jacarandas do not do particularly well in very windy locations.
Text Copyrighted © KO 2008

Jade Plant Crassula ovata
This is a very appealing plant with thick deep green fleshy leaves on stems that make the overall plant look like a tiny ancient tree. They are very easy to grow either as house plants or outside where there is no frost. They will get quite large when they are happy.
From: South Africa
Planting and Growth: Jade plants like good light and can handle the Caribbean sun, but not all day. If you plant them in your garden, do so in an area that receives some sun and regular rainfall or plan to water them.
Text Copyrighted © KO 2007

Jamaica Sago See The "P" Page Palms and Sagos -- Jamaica Sago

**Jatropha, Coral Bush Jatropha multifida or Adenorepium multifidum
This plant looks very much like a variety of frangipani, though its leaves are more decorative and it blooms almost continuously with red flowers as you see in the photo graphs.. It is not a member of the frangipani family.

One important thing to remember is that for all its appeal it is still a highly poisonous plant.
From: Central America
Planting and Growth: The jatropha likes it sunny and hot and is tolerant of drought.
Text and Photos Copyrighted © KO 2008

**Jimson Weed See The "D" Page DEVIL'S TRUMPET

**Jumbie Beads Abrus precatorius L.
This is a tenacious twining vine that produces bright orange/red seeds used in jewelry and other crafts in the Caribbean.
Benefits: Its seeds are poisonous, though other parts of the plant are used locally here in Montserrat for their healing qualities.
Planting and Care: Unless you plant to use the seeds, I would not recommend letting this plant grow in your garden. It is hard to eradicate and it is prolific.
Text Copyrighted © KO 2008