Jamaica boasts some 3000 species of flowering plant, 33% of which are endemic with the remainder having been introduced by early colonists and explorers. The variety of habitats on the island explains the diversity of species. The dry sandy areas are home to desert plants, thorn scrub and cactus. Mangrove species grow on the small islets while mosses and ferns populate the forested areas, including mountains rising to 2240m.