Jamaica and its UK diaspora

The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird, is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. 

The Lignum Vitae was found by Christopher Columbus. Its name, when translated from Latin, means “wood of life” – probably adopted because of its medicinal qualities.   It was exported to Europe from the early sixteenth century as a remedy (combined with mercury) for syphillis and has also been used as a remedy for gout. 

The Blue Mahoe is the national tree of Jamaica. It is indigenous to the island and grows quite rapidly, often attaining 20m (66ft) or more in height. It is often used in reforestation. The name mahoe is derived from a Carib Indian word.   The inner bark of the tree is often referred to as Cuba bark because it was formerly used for tying bundles of Havana cigars. Cuba is the only other place where the Blue Mahoe grows naturally.