In the heyday of the British Empire, flowering and fruit trees were brought from Asia, the Pacific and Africa, evergreens from Canada, roses and nasturtiums from England. The breadfruit was sent from Tahiti, first by Captain Bligh on the Bounty . In return, Jamaica s native pineapple was sent to Hawaii and its mahogany to Central America. There are varieties of orchids, bromeliads and ferns in Jamaica that are native nowhere else and fruits like the Bombay mango that flourish only here. Together they blend into a unique culture steeped in magical rituals, legends and customs.
Religion is an important force.
The vast majority are Christian, but there are communities of Jews, Hindus and Moslems. The Church of Jamaica, formerly the Church of England, has the largest membership. Rastafarianism commands a large following. Jamaicans speak English and speak it eloquently, but with their own musical lilt and some words which are a survival from West African languages. Proverbs and place names express the vitality of Jamaica talk.