Common bean is one of the most widely produced cash crops in the world, with 23.6 million tons grown in 2016. China is the largest producer of common bean, accounting for 79% of the market share. While common bean is known as a staple food source, the leaves can be used to trap bedbugs and the beans are widely used in a type of fortune-telling called "pharmancy".

Purple allamanda (Allamanda blanchetii) is a tropical evergreen that is native to Brazil and is cultivated as an ornamental plant in the southern United States and other appropriately mild climates. In the right conditions, purple allamanda blooms all year long, producing brilliant rose-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers. It is a climbing plant and may be grown as a vine or pruned into a bush.

The pin stripe plant, or Goeppertia ornata, is a gorgeous tropical houseplant with distinct markings on the leaves. Although calatheas have a reputation for being difficult to grow, the pin stripe plant is one of the easier choices to care for. The plant is sometimes named as a member of the prayer plant family for the way it closes up its leaves in the evening.

The peacock flower, Barbados' national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.

The pagoda flower (Clerodendrum paniculatum)'s origin in Southeast Asia, where the pagoda is a common architectural form, is responsible for the plant's common name, because of the pagoda-like shape of its pink flowers that rise up in attractive displays. It distinct beauty makes it popular with gardeners.

Spanish shawl (Heterotis rotundifolia) is a tropical perennial shrub that produces five-petaled flowers of a bright violet color. It is a popular decorative garden plant, suitable for ground cover or as a hanging basket trailing plant. The plant thrives in full sun or slight shade. 'Rotundiflora" means round-flowered in Latin and refers to the plant's almost circular petals.

Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is a beautiful foliage plant, one of the most popular species of the Araceae family. Due to its air purifying qualities and good looks, arrowhead plant is often cultivated as a houseplant. Every part of this plant is toxic, so it's best to keep it away from kids and pets.

The heart of jesus is a poisonous leafy plant. Its paper-thin, heart-shaped leaves lend the plant its common nickname, along with names like "angel wings" and "elephant ear." Though native to South America, its primary hub of cultivation is now around Lake Placid, Florida, where it has become a popular centerpiece for an annual festival.

The plumed cockscomb is a bright plant with recognizable red, pink, or purple flowers. It grows best in warm, tropical environments. Occasionally, plumed cockscomb is used as an ingredient in soap. In China and India, however, the plant is considered a pesky weed that reduces biodiversity.

Native to eastern Mexico, the Selenicereus spinulosus or vine-like moonlight cactus produces aerial roots and fragrant flowers that bloom mid-spring to early summer. Its yellow, globular fruit is covered with yellowish spines. Use extreme caution when handling because of the spines.

Misty plume bush (Tetradenia riparia) is a perennial shrub that is native to Africa. It is densely branched with fragrant, sticky foliage and will grow from 3 to 5 m tall. Not a true ginger plant, it blooms in winter with clusters of tiny white flowers. Attracts bees and other pollinators. Thrives in full sun or partial shade, especially in warmer climates. The leaves and stems have been used medicinally.

The peace lily gets its scientific name Spathiphyllum wallisii from a combination of the two Greek words ‘spath’ and ‘phyl’, which means spoon and leaves, respectively. The large graceful white spathe of the peace lily resembles a white flag, which is an international symbol of truce or peace.

Calopo is a perennial legume that is incredibly invasive in Australia and the Pacific Islands, but is also a valuable cover crop that improves soil fertility, reduces erosion, and smothers weeds. It is occasionally used as forage for cattle in dry seasons.

As its name indicates, the african violet originated in the coastal region of Tanzania, Africa. It is a well-loved plant in many households, and its compact shape and beautiful blue, pink, purple or white flowers add cheer to any room. The african violet is known to bloom nearly year-round but can be sensitive to cold, so keep at 55 degrees or above.

The garden croton is a showy tropical display that does well indoors or in warm climates. Known for its attractive foliage, this plant can have both color and structural variations in its leaves. Leaf colors can include orange, yellow, scarlet, white, and green, and many times all are present on one plant.

Heliconia episcopalis is a striking tropical plant known for its vibrant, colorful inflorescences that resemble lobster-claws. These bold blooms emerge from the plant's sturdy, upright stalks and are often red, orange, or yellow, adding a splash of brilliance to their rainforest environment. The broad, glossy leaves of heliconia episcopalis contribute to its lush appearance, forming a backdrop that accentuates the flower's allure. Heliconia episcopalis's showy flowers not only captivate the eyes but also aid in attracting pollinators like hummingbirds, integral to the plant's survival in its native habitat.

Maize (Zea mays) is a well known domesticated cereal grain first domesticated in Mexico. In much of the world it is also called corn. Worldwide cultivation of maize surpasses other prominent grains like wheat and rice. Maize must be planted in the spring due to its intolerance for cold weather.

Joint vetch (Aeschynomene americana) is a useful species since it is an important tropical grazing and pasture plant. In the wild, the plant feeds animals including deer and birds. However, this plant has spread widely worldwide and is classed as an invasive species in more than 20 countries, including Singapore and Papua New Guinea.

Sulfur cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) is an annual flowering plant native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. Though widely used as an ornamental plant, sulfur cosmos is considered an invasive species in the United States. It attracts bees and butterflies, including the notable monarch butterfly.

Brazilian prickly pear (Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis) is a tree-like cactus that will grow to 20 m tall when planted in the ground. It will not grow nearly that large if grown in a container. Flowers are pale yellow to bright orange. Fruits are pear-shaped and range in color from yellow to red to purple. Plant in full sun if you live in a warm, humid climate and little maintenance is required. If growing in a container, make sure it gets plenty of bright light and dry, well-drained soil.