Embassy of Jamaica, Washington, DC

The first ackee tree in Jamaica was planted from a seed brought to the island by the captain of a slave ship in 1778. The fruit is not widely eaten but in Ghana the flowers are used to make a perfume and the seeds are used as a narcotic to catch fish. The seedling was taken to England by Captain Bligh and there the plant was given the botanical name, Blighia sapida. Its original name was ‘akye’ from Twi language of West Africa.

Culture and Heritage of Jamaica

Coming soon!