SafePlants

Jamaican Broom (Chamaecrista glandulosa)

This page provides information about the plant known as Jamaican Broom, scientifically classified as Chamaecrista glandulosa.

Considerations for Pets

• Broom is mentioned as a "bitter narcotic herb." This raises a potential concern, even if not explicitly stated as toxic.
• The text mentions the plant being used medicinally. Even if the plant isn't directly dangerous, medicinal uses can have unexpected interactions.

Considerations for Children

• Broom is mentioned as a "bitter narcotic herb." This raises a potential concern, even if not explicitly stated as toxic.
• The text mentions the plant being used medicinally. Even if the plant isn't directly dangerous, medicinal uses can have unexpected interactions.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chamaecrista glandulosa (L.) Greene
• Common Name: Jamaican Broom
• Variety: Chamaecrista glandulosa var. mirabilis (Pollard) Irwin & Barneby

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Jamaican Broom is described as an evergreen shrub.
• It is also referred to as Showy Partridge Pea, linking it to plants with similar characteristics.

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is referred to as "Jamaican Broom" and explicitly found in Jamaica.

Uses

• The plant has a history of traditional medicinal use, particularly among elders in Jamaica.

Quirky Facts

• The phrase "new broom sweeps clean, old broom knows the corners" is a Jamaican proverb.
• The plant is sometimes associated with wedding traditions, specifically "jumping the broom."
• There seems to be a sports team in the University of Nebraska known as the Jamaican Broomball Team.

External Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: The text references a file from this database with an image of Chamaecrista glandulosa.
• Dave's Garden: This resource is mentioned as a place to share tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.