Farms

Cerasee is a popular herbal plant in Jamaica, otherwise called Bitter Melon, that grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. The plant is a vine that grows up to 16 ft. in length and produces a yellow flower and a fruit that is oblong in shape. When the fruit is ripe, the flesh (rind) becomes somewhat tougher and more bitter, and many consider it too distasteful to eat. On the other hand, the pith becomes sweet and intensely red; it can be eaten uncooked in this state, and is a popular ingredient in some Southeast Asian salads. The vines of this plant starts to flower in 5 to 6 weeks and bears fruit in 12 to 16 weeks. Since this is a vine, a trellis can be used so that the vines can creep on them. This plant needs a moist environment and requires water on a daily basis. Cerasee (Bitter Melon) The leaves of this plant is usually infused in hot water to create a tonic that can be applied externally for all manner of skin conditions and it can b...

Bissy, also known as Kola nut, is a caffeinated nut from the Cola tree native to the tropical rainforest of Africa. This tree grows up to 60 ft. in height and bears the star-shaped fruit that contains the Kola nut. This tree is best grown in a hot humid climate but can withstand dry season on sites with a high ground water level. This plant's cultivation pattern is the same as Moringa and Aloe Vera in that, Some irrigation can be provided to the plants, but it is important to remove the water through an effective drainage system, as excess water may prove to be detrimental for the growth of the plant . Kola Nuts This plant is believed to have made it's way into Jamaica from Guinea Coast and was cultivated nearby the village of Guanaboa Vale by a man named Mr. Goffe. Although, some information is known about the plant and the regions in which it thrives, little is known about the length of time it takes to mature. (This information would have to be acquired by an expe...

The Guinea Hen Weed is also called gully root in Trinidad and anamu in Latin American countries. This is a tropical plant that grows wild in coffee, corn and apple plantations. This plant is said to grow up to 3 ft. high. This plant requires frequent watering in order to have it mature successfully. It does not seem to thrive in dry areas. Since gullies are usually drainage for water, I can understand the reason that Trinidadians call the plant gully root . Guinea Hen Weed According to Wikipedia, Guinea Hen Weed is used as a bat and insect repellent. The Guinea Hen Weed is used in teas, extracts, capsules. The leaves and also the roots are used with medicinal purposes. This plant has been used to reduce inflammation and pain . It has been reported to be used to eliminate bacteria, fungi, candida, and viruses. It is also used to enhance the immune system and increase urination . Recent studies report beneficial results in the use of this plant to lower the blood sugar l...

The Moringa is just as resilient as the Aloe Vera being able to withstand severe drought conditions. It is said to have originated from the foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India. This tree grows in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the earth. It is considered to be the most nutrient rich plant on earth. The tree is able to reach heights between 32 and 40 ft and the trunk can reach diameter of up to 1.5 ft. The tree starts to flower in the first 6 months after being planted (from the seeds in the pods) and develops pods within eight months. Regular bearing starts after the second year. The leaves, the pods and, even, the roots are harvested to produce a number of products for food and cosmetics. Moringa - The Miracle Tree According to Wikipedia, The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of B vitamins, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese, and protein, among other essential nutrients.[3][20][2...

According to Wikipedia, there are 13 to 18 species of mint plants that are known.[1] The mint that I am most familiar with growing wild in the country is the Peppermint ( Mentha piperita ). I have been exposed to milder mint called Colon Mint , which is short for Kentucky Colonel Spearmint . So, in essence, I have only known two types of mint. The peppermint is the most popular of all the mints and, thus, the most used. It is used to add flavour to ice cream, confectionery and toothpaste. It is also used in cosmetic products. Peppermint Plant I find this is a good plant to compliment the Aloe gardens in Danver's Pen, St. Thomas. Not only because of the wide range of uses but also because it is a natural pesticide (i.e. mostly the oil made from it). This plant grows between 1 to 3 ft. in height and spreads out like a shrub. It's the perfect plant to decorate the garden and bring good fragrance to it. According to Sara Moore[3], From seeding to maturity, mint takes a...