Asian Rice is one of the world's most important staple crops. This annual grass, which was first domesticated in China centuries ago, accounts for a significant portion of the diet of half of the world's population. Aside from food, this plant is grown for use in wines, medicines, and cosmetics. It is also used in crafts and religious ceremonies worldwide.

False christmas cactus gets its name from its flowering season; producing red purple pink or white flowers from fall to winter. Native to a small coastal strip on the east of Brazil this cactus prefers the shade and humidity of jungle conditions. In the wild hummingbirds pollinate the flowers.

Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.

Silver ribbon fern (Pteris parkeri) is a species of fern that is native to many parts of eastern Asia. It is often cultivated as a house plant for its foliage. The plant produces many long leaves that are silvery in color and have a crinkly or ribbon-like appearance. As with most ferns, it grows best in partial shade and strong, but indirect light.

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.

Dwarf umbrella tree (*Schefflera arboricola*) is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub native to China. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or a garden plant in milder climates for its decorative palmate compound leaves. The leaves contain calcium oxalates, which can damage internal organs when ingested. It shouldn't be confused with the Australian umbrella tree, *Schefflera actinophylla*.

Giant taro is native to Southeast Asian rainforests. It was first cultivated in the Philippines. Its massive leaves resemble elephant ears. If cooked for a long time, these leaves are edible; however, the sap from the plant might hurt the skin. This plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Geraldton waxflower is a flowering plant native to Western Australia. It is often used as a cut flower because of its spectacular blossoms and its ability to last for a long time after cutting. It blooms profusely in the winter and spring, attracting bees, butterflies, and other insects. The Latin word 'uncinatum', from the plant's Latin name, Chamelaucium uncinatum, refers to the leaves' tips which are hooked.

Apple mint is widely known for the fruity fragrance and taste of its leaves. Some use them to add flavoring to teas, salads or garnish. It grows in moist soils and though it is also adaptable it won't prosper in dry ones. It is commonly grown as ground cover which helps stop the growth of weeds.

The peacock plant sports large, thin leaves in varied shades of green. The plant thrives in warm, humid environments such as its native Brazil. It is a classic example of a "prayer plant," meaning its leaves appear to close up at night and open again in the morning.

Evergreen spindle(Euonymus japonicus) is a popular ornamental evergreen shrub with numerous cultivars. Due to its superb adaptability and decorative looks, evergreen spindle can be found in parks and gardens all over the world. Its flowers produce a lot of nectar, which makes this plant very attractive to bees.

Flossflower (Ageratum houstonianum) is a low-growing annual that attracts butterflies bees and birds. Fragrant aster-like flowers blooming from spring to fall are usually vibrant blue but can also be white or pink. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade is resistant to deer and rabbits and makes a colorful addition to any garden. 15 to 30 cm in height.

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a fragrant herb that’s indigenous to India. It’s a popular ingredient in Thai cuisine. When used for this purpose, it’s called Thai holy basil. Adherents of the Vaishnava strain of Hinduism use it in religious ceremonies. Holistic practitioners worldwide place immense value on the aromatic essential oil derived from the plant.

Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a plant that is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is at its peak during the middle of the summer. Golden shower tree is both the national flower and tree of Thailand. The Latin name "Cassia" comes from "Kassia", which means "fragrant plant." It holds a sacred place in scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Carpet sedum (Sedum lineare) is also known as variegated stonecrop and needle stonecrop. It’s an exceedingly low-maintenance plant. In fact, one of the reasons it’s called stonecrop is that farmers have joked that “only stones need less care than sedum.” Another reason is the plant is often found growing over stones and rocks.

Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a palm tree native to Mexico and Guatemala which grows in rainforest environments. Parlor palm is widely cultivated as a houseplant and grows well in light soil out of direct sunlight.

Silver squill (Ledebouria socialis) is a perennial plant native to South Africa. Silver squill is a common plant cultivated for ornamental purposes and grows well with minimal maintenance. The latter word in the Latin name Ledebouria socialis means "growing in colonies."

Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) is a plant species native to central and eastern Mexico. Mexican Bush Sage grows in subtropical and tropical conifer forests. This species attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

Large-flowered tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora) is a flowering plant that blooms from late spring to early fall. The Latin name Coreopsis grandiflora means "bug view" and "large flower." The common name refers to the small black seeds produced by the plant.

Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum) is a succulent shrub species native to North and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands. After its introduction, though, it became culturally important in some East Asian regions. The jewels of Opar grows and spreads quickly because any part of its root can sprout into a full plant once it's in the soil.