Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta) has become naturalized around the world ever since Spanish colonization. It needs full sun to flourish, and planting it around your garden will resist deer, yet attract butterflies and hummingbirds for you. People with sensitive skin should avoid touching it as its irritant sap can cause contact dermatitis.

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.

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.

European fan palm (Chamaerops humilis) is a palm species native to Europe. European fan palm grows at a latitude that is farther north than any other similar species. Palms can be utilized commercially to make woven goods like baskets.

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.

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.

Floss silk tree (Ceiba speciosa) is a tree species native to South America. Floss silk tree may reach more than 25 m in height. The floss silk tree attracts hummingbirds. Other animals tend to stay away from this tree because the trunk is studded with thick, sharp thorns.

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.

Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial vine that grows quickly and is native to the southern United States. It can be used commercially as a flavoring agent, and the fruit has traditionally been used in making sweet items, such as juices, pies, and desserts. Maypop is highly flammable, so it should not be planted near the house in areas prone to wildfires.

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.

Yellow butterfly palm (Dypsis lutescens) is a flowering plant that originated in Madagascar. Other common names for yellow butterfly palm are golden cane palm and yellow palm. In tropical regions it's grown as an outdoor plant for ornamental horticulture. In temperate regions its grown indoors as a houseplant.

Red powderpuff (Calliandra haematocephala) is a flowering plant also known as the fairy duster for obvious reasons. Each "feather" in the flower's puffball is a stamen. Red powderpuff is native to tropical regions of South America, though it can survive short periods of freezing temperatures. Caterpillars often feed upon this species. Its specific epithet means "blood-red head" in reference to the round red flower, though some examples have lighter-colored flowers that don't fit the moniker quite as well.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia) is a tree in the coffee family. It produces a fruit with an odor similar to vomit, making it a famine food in some areas and a delicacy in others. It grows both flowers and fruit all year.

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a fast-growing flowering plant species with ovular, waxy leaves. Water hyacinth is listed as a federal noxious weed in the United States. This species is invasive to ponds, lakes, rivers and other wetland habitats. It forms dense, floating mats of vegetation that restricts light to underwater environments.

This low growing shrub, the dwarf huckleberry, grows well in part-shade and sandy soils. It produces a shiny, dark-blue berry in the late summer and fall that is believed to be edible.

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Hyacinthus orientalis is one of the heralds of spring. The name common hyacinth comes from the Greek name Hyacinthus. According to Greek legend, Hyacinthus was admired by both Apollo and Zephyrus. Hyacinthus ended up being killed out of jealousy and a flower bloomed on the spot where his blood was spilled. Apollo named the flower after his lost love.

Ancient Polynesians carried air potato to Hawaii in their canoes. They only ate it in times of famine, because the bulbs can be poisonous. Multiple bulbils grow from the vines, each of which is capable of rooting and generating another vine. The speed with which air potato grows allows it to out-compete other species.

Cucumis melo includes a variety of melons, including honeydew, cantaloupe, and muskmelon. These melons are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and are commonly eaten fresh or dried. It is occasionally turned into oil or liqueur.

Xanadu (Philodendron xanadu) is often called "Winterbourn," and is cultivated for indoor use. It thrives in brighter conditions compared to most other philodendrons. However, it grows best in direct artificial light or direct sunlight. This species will turn yellow if it is kept too moist.