Heliconia (Heliconia spp) - Other names Lobster claw, Wild Banana
There are about forty species of Heliconia, often called 'wild banana' in the Caribbean. The plants are related to the edible banana and the leaves are 'paddle-shaped', a characteristic of the banana family. The brightly-coloured floral parts are really large bracts and they arise alternately from the stem. Sometimes the stem hangs downwards (pendant) and in other types the stem is erect. The bracts open to expose inconspicuous purple flowers inside. Very often, pollination is brought about by hummingbirds. The bracts are long-lasting and are often used in floral decorations. This shrub grows wild in a number of Caribbean Islands and fine specimens are to be seen in Hope Gardens, Jamaica. These plants originate from tropical America.
Ginger (Alpinia purpurata) - Other names Ostrich Plume Ginger, red Ginger
This plant is common throughout the Caribbean. It is used in ornamental gardening and in addition to its brightly coloured floral parts; it is also noted for its attractive foliage. The red 'flowers' are made up of waxy looking bracts; the real flowers are hidden inside. They are small, white, and inconspicuous. The large, light-green leaves arise on either side of a central stem. The plant blooms throughout the year. It originates in South East Asia.
Family Malvaceae - Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp)
There are about two hundred species of Hibiscus and types belonging to this genus are found in great abundance in gardens throughout the Caribbean. The size and colour of the flowers vary, but common colours are red, white, pink, and yellow. The petals of each flower form a large trumpet-shaped corolla as much as four or five inches in diameter at the end. Protruding from the corolla is a stamen tube with female stigmas at the tip. The most common form is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis which originates in Hawaii, but has now been introduced to most tropical regions. The flowers of this particular species can be used to clean and shine black shoes. One species (Hibiscus esculentus) produces fruits known as okra and these are used widely in cooking. The shrub has alternate simple leaves which are coarsely serrated. It blooms throughout the year and prefers a sunny situation. Each flower lasts only a day, and at nightfall each corolla drops to the ground. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has been used extensively in producing horticultural varieties, a process known as hybridisation.
