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.

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is also known as the “peacock tree” or the “flamboyant tree.” It’s a Madagascar native and is known for its brilliant crimson or red-yellow flowers. It grows exceedingly fast, reaching its maximum height of around 12 m in a short amount of time.

Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena) is an evergreen tropical tree whose stiff, dark green leaves have a rough, sandpaper-like texture. It produces clusters of dark orange flowers, most in spring and summer, followed by edible fruit. It grows in sandy, salty, dry soil and does well in warm, coastal regions.

Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is a flowering perennial plant native to Malaysia. Red ginger is often cultivated as an ornamental houseplant. This plant is also called the "ostrich plume" and the "pink cone ginger." red ginger is the national flower of Samoa.

The silver inch plant is a popular trailing plant known for its attractive foliage with zebra-like stripes of green, silver, and purple. Tradescantia zebrina is very easy to care for and can be hung or placed indoors. The plant grows fast; the creeping stems bear roots along the way, making it suitable as ground cover.

Clamshell orchid is a favorite orchid because it blooms consistently. It features a clamshell-shaped bloom with hanging yellow petals. These beautiful orchids are available in a wide variety of colors and markings. These orchids prefer high humidity and bright indirect light.

Portulaca oleracea, colloquially known as common purslane, is an annual succulent species with reddish stems and tiny yellow, five-petal flowers. It is used for culinary purposes in various parts of the world, most often raw, in salads. Common purslane is also a good companion plant for crops that thrive in moist soils.

Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent species native to the Arabian Peninsula. The thick leaves are filled with gooey flesh that stores water for survival in its native desert territories. Aloe vera has become a popular houseplant and is also incorporated into a wide range of cosmetics and skin-care products.

Grow stick (Gliricidia sepium) is native to tropical areas such as Mexico and Central America where the trees were traditionally used to provide shade for cocoa plantations. As it is a legume, it fixes nitrogen in the soil. It provides fodder, firewood, live fencing, and green manure, and it is an ingredient in rat poison.

The flame of the woods is a popular warm-weather garden shrub due to its versatility and unique, bright red leaves. It can be used as a hedge, in flower beds, or even grown as a small tree. The flame of the woods is also popular as a standalone patio plant because of its hardiness and distinctive appearance. The genus name, Ixora, was derived from a poorly transliterated rendition of the Hindu god, Shiva's name.

Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) is a flowering plant that grows on the surfaces of other plant species, most commonly the southern live oak. Ball moss is not a true moss, despite its name. This species is native to the southern United States, Argentina, and Chile. It was consumed by the indigenous Pima people of Mexico and can also be fed to animals.

Texas nipple cactus (Mammillaria prolifera) is a low-growing cactus that produces yellowish or pinkish blossoms in the springtime. It has sharp edges so should be handled with caution. This plant is popular for landscaping.

Life plant is a succulent plant from Madagascar remarkable for its ability to generate small bullets on the edges of "leaves." Actually, these thick, fleshy "leaves" are not true leaves but flattened shoots instead. Life plant is easy to grow and used as a potting or hanging plant indoor.

The common zinnia is a popular garden plant that has usually been hybridized from different wild varieties. It thrives in relatively dry conditions with good airflow and comes in many colors.

Pineapple is a short plant that is native to the tropics. Its fruit has a high nutritional value. Peeling off the prickly fruit skin reveals a sweet, aromatic, golden-yellow pulp that is very popular.

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

The long-lasting blooms of busy lizzie are a riot of color. The flowers generally range from vibrant purple to orange. Some of the flowers are used for hair coloring and dyes. Its genus name, Impatiens, comes from the word "impatiens" or "impatient" in Latin because the seed pods are often in a rush to open up.

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Emperor's candlesticks (Senna alata) is an annual that grows from 1.5 to 2.5 m tall. It has broad, evergreen leaves that were once used to treat ringworm. It grows in full sun with medium moisture. Flowers bloom in fall with blossoms that resemble yellow candles. Flowers give way to winged seedpods that add a colorful accent in winter.

Crepe ginger (Hellenia speciosa) is a plant species that is not drought tolerant. For optimal growth, this plant species must be watered regularly when cultivated as a houseplant. Crepe ginger grows best in partial to full shade.