Fairchild Botanic Garden

Common name: West Indian ebony, Jamaican rain tree (English)

Family: Fabaceae (Bean)

Distribution: West Indies and Central America

Life form: Tree

Description: Brya ebenus, popularly known as the 'Jamaican Rain Tree', is a captivating small tropical tree native to the Caribbean. The flowers are typically small, but they are incredibly vibrant and eye-catching. The inflorescences appear in clusters, often in large numbers after a rainfall, covering the canopy in a cascade of bright yellow blossoms. This stunning display not only delights the eye but also beckons pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It thrives when grown in full sun or in locations with ample sunlight, and requires no irrigation after it becomes established.