This grass is grown best under sunny conditions and is adapted to grow in a variety of soil types that are well drained.  Oil extracts are used in perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.  It is grown around the boundaries of gardens for soil conservation and is used as a vegetable, culinary herb and beverage base.

Medicinally, lemon grass is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, fevers and hypertension.  A tea is made as a remedy for cough, flu, gingivitis, digestive problems and stomachache.

Fun Fact: Beekeepers sometimes use lemon grass oil in swarm traps to attract swarms of bees.

Neem is a tree within the mahogany family. Its popularity has increased over the years in Barbados as it has many benefits.  This tree can grow in a variety of soil types once they are well drained.  Neem is drought-tolerant and is grown to prevent soil erosion and to help in soil conservation.  It also improves soil fertility as well as water holding capacity.  Neem is a well known natural pesticide. It is grown to prevent pests and an oil is also extracted from the leaves to apply to plants affected by pests.

Medicinally, the leaves and bark of this plant are used for skin diseases. The flowers are used as a tonic and to relieve stomach ailments.  The bark is bitter and has traditionally been used to treat fever, nausea, vomiting and skin diseases.

Fun Fact: Timber is produced from Neem and is used for making doors, windows, fence posts and more.

Noni is a shrub that has gained popularity worldwide over the years due to a variety of health and cosmetic products made from its leaves and fruits.  This shrub can adapt to many different soil types and harsh conditions. It is tolerant to waterlogging, wind, shaded conditions and salt spray.  Even with its many benefits, the fruit of this plant has a strong, vomit-like odour.  It is sometimes referred to as a “starvation fruit” which means that it was used by indigenous people as emergency food, either raw or cooked.  The seeds are edible when roasted.

Medicinally, this plant is known as a cure for all and known to reduce cancer cells.

Fun Fact:  Noni was traditionally used in the production of dyes. The bark produces a brownish-purplish dye, while a yellowish dye is extracted from its roots.

This tree is seen more on the countryside of Barbados.  Bayleaf prefers to be grown in sunny conditions and is tolerant of most soil types that are well drained. The plant produces aromatic fruits, bark and especially the leaves.  These are processed and used as spice in cooking.

The tree has many uses in medicine.  It has been used in folk medicine to treat sore muscles, strains and sprains.  The leaves are used to make tea which treats colds.  The essential oil from the leaves is used as a remedy for stomach pains.

Fun Fact:  Essential oil produced from bay leaf is used as an insect repellent.