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.

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.

Garden tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) is an ornamental bulbous plant native to southwest Asia. Ottomans brought it to Europe in the 16th century, and it almost instantly became popular, especially amongst Dutchmen. Garden tulip’s showy flowers are usually red or orange, but there are also varieties with purple, pink or yellow flowers.

The rose geranium (*Pelargonium graveolens*) is a shrub native to some nations in South Africa. The plant is desirable to many for its decorative purposes - attractive white to pink flower clusters and fruits that resemble that of a stork’s long beak. The plant leaves produce economically valuable rose-smelling essential oil for the perfume industry.

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*.

Variegated snake plant is one of the tallest Sansevieria varieties – it can grow 1.2 m tall. Like all Snake plants, this variety is a marvelous choice for beginner gardeners as it is nearly impossible to kill! It can tolerate dry air, fluctuating temperatures, and will be quite forgiving if you forget to water it. It can be mildly toxic to your dog and cat, so do not let them snack on your plants!

The Nephrolepis exaltata is commonly known as the boston fern or sword fern. It is a common and popular houseplant that is native to tropical environments. While the boston fern can survive droughts, it prefers humid environments and should be misted regularly. It is generally considered non-toxic and is pet friendly.

Silverweed cinquefoil (Argentina anserina) is a perennial plant that blooms from summer to fall with small yellow, 5-petaled flowers that require cross-pollination for fertile seeds. Reproduces by forming clonal colonies. Prefers full sun in moist, well-drained sandy or rocky soil.

The zanzibar gem is a flowering green plant native to eastern Africa. It also gets the name emerald palm because of its bright, glossy color. Today, the zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is grown around the world as a houseplant, in part because it is easy to grow and care for. Though this plant is mildly toxic if ingested, its danger level is often overstated.

Jerusalem thorn is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region. In the Bible, it is mentioned as the plant from which the crown of thorns was made that was placed on Jesus' head prior to his crucifixion. In the garden, it is often used as a hedge or border plant due to its thorny branches, which can help to deter animals and intruders. It is also a popular choice for xeriscaping, or landscaping in dry regions, as it is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions.

Gollum jade has oddly-shaped leaves, the tops of which recess downward and resemble the ears of DreamWorks' Shrek. As a result, many florists refer to the plant as Shrek's Ears. Its stems are branched and easily lignified, and interestingly, the edges of the "ears" turn red with abundant light and large temperature differences between day and night.

Jujube or Ziziphus jujuba is also known as red date and Chinese date. It is a deciduous tree that is often grown for its small fruit. When immature, the fruit resembles a crisp apple. When ripened, the fruit wrinkles and resembles a date.

The silver birch is native to Europe, Siberia, and China. It can grow between 15 m and 25 m, with a potential to reach 31 m. Its distinct bark is white and eventually becomes flaky. The leaves are pale green during summer and yellow during fall.

The chinaberry tree is considered an invasive species in many areas because of its tendency to grow into impassable thickets and crowd out other plants. The entire chinaberry tree is poisonous to humans and many other animals, although cows and some birds have no problems eating the fruit.

Date palm (*Phoenix dactylifera*) is an evergreen tree with a strong, upright trunk and gracefully arching, feather-like fronds. It is drought tolerant and suitable for escaping. It is fire retardant, has pale yellow blooms, and produces an abundance of edible, orange fruit. This tree can live up to 75 years and grow to 24 m tall.

Although the yellow trumpetbush have beautiful and bright flowers that can be pleasing to look at, this plant is considered an invasive weed in multiple countries. A native of the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru and Ecuador, this plant is often found on roadsides, riparian areas, disturbed sites, and other wasteland areas.

The english lavender is a common flowering plant originally native to the Mediterranean region. Today, it is often used in scented products such as candles, oils, perfumes, soaps, and house sprays. The scent also has a deterrent effect against clothing moths.

The nerve plant is an excellent houseplant that is native to South American rainforests. The patterns on the leaves are highly decorative, and the plant needs to be maintained at a temperature above 13 ℃ and watered regularly. This Fittonia albivenis can be difficult to grow, so it is recommended that you purchase it directly from a nursery.

Oak-leaved Goosefoot (Oxybasis glauca subsp. glauca) is an annual plant whose common name comes from the shape of its leaves. It grows in full sun along roadsides railroads and disturbed places. Blooms from summer to fall with clusters of very small yellow flowers.

Elephant bush (*Portulacaria afra*) is a succulent native to South Africa, easily recognized by its small, rounded green leaves and crimson stems. This cute semi-evergreen succulent is cultivated as an ornamental, most commonly in escaping, and as a bonsai plant.