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.

Graptopetalum mendoza is a small fleshy plant that spreads in clumps. Its pale green and tiny leaves grow in groups that eventually form into a circular pattern called a ‘rosette’. Its star-shaped flowers are attractive and white. It makes an excellent plant to grow in a rock garden.

Mexican fireplant is native to tropical America, but it has been naturalized in other tropical and subtropical regions in the world. *Euphorbia heterophylla* is a poisonous plant to humans and livestock. It contains a toxic milky sap which can cause strong skin irritation.

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.

Sisal (Agave sisalana) is a succulent plant whose yellow flowers bloom along a stalk rising up to 9 m tall and have an unpleasant scent. The flowers, stalk, basal rosette and sap of this plant are edible. Plant in full sun outdoors or place in a bright, sunny location indoors.

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*.

A cultivar of agave, variegated American Aloe is unique for its yellow trim and is better-suited for containers than is its parent plant. This plant thrives in areas from gravel gardens to courtyards, but it is best suited to warm, dry climates. It will not tolerate low winter temperatures and may need to be brought inside on cold nights.

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.

Felt bush (Kalanchoe beharensis) is a succulent perennial that will grow from 61 to 91 cm tall. It has large fleshy leaves covered in fine velvety hairs. As the plant matures it will produce clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers that range from reddish orange to greenish yellow. Thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant but needs protection from the cold. Perfect for succulent or Mediterranean gardens, borders and flower beds.

Cape leadwort is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Its Latin name, Plumbago auriculata, is derived from the word auriculata meaning "with ears," referring to the shape of its leaves. The leaves serve as food for the caterpillar of the Hummingbird hawk-moth. The plant's sticky sepals, on the other hand, can grab animals as small as a housefly.

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.

Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) is a plant species often used as a screening bush or privacy hedge. Golden bamboo grows quickly, and its canes turn yellow in full or partial sun. They deepen into a gold-orange color as the plant matures.

Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is a perennial, flowering shrub that grows from 61 to 91 cm tall. The flowers, typically red, can also be found in white, pink, orange, or purple. This disease and insect free plant is drought tolerant and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Perfect as a colorful, low-growing hedge.

The tugela Cliff-kalanchoe grows fast, easy reproduces, has no dormancy period, and is suitable for year-round open-air planting. Its leaves are usually green with undulate, slightly reddish margins. When given plenty of sunshine and the right temperatures, the entire plant can turn a stunning red.

The egyptian lotus (Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea) is an aquatic plant native to Africa. Showy blue flowers bloom in summer amid wide, floating leaves. The roots anchor into the mud of the pond floor below. They can also be planted in backyard ponds or wide pots. Many species of fish appreciate the shade these floating plants provide.

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.

Giant reed, also known as Arundo donax, is a large ornamental grass that can grow in both standing water and well-drained soil. In warm climates, the plant can reach 6 m tall and grow long purple flowers. Reeds for musical instruments are made from this plant.

Amazon Lily (Eucharis amazonica) is a perennial native to Peru which has also been naturalized in Venezuela, Mexico, and many tropical islands. It grows as much as 75 cm in height, with large waxy leaves and fragrant flowers. The name amazon Lily is often also used for the Eucharis genus in general, which can cause some confusion.

It is a herbaceous plant that reaches a size of up to 1 m in height, with blue-whitish, thorny stems; when it is cut, a milky yellow juice emerges. The leaves have divisions with teeth and a spine on the tip; its flowers are yellow, cream or white, lonely and large, they look like paper.