Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Img leaf leftImg leaf right

Top 20 Most Common Plants in Malawi

In Malawi, you can find Common bean, Yellow oleander, Madagascar periwinkle, Tropical almond, Egyptian starcluster, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Icon common plants
Most Common Plants
Common bean
1. Common bean
Common bean is one of the most widely produced cash crops in the world, with 23.6 million tons grown in 2016. China is the largest producer of common bean, accounting for 79% of the market share. While common bean is known as a staple food source, the leaves can be used to trap bedbugs and the beans are widely used in a type of fortune-telling called "pharmancy".
Yellow oleander
2. Yellow oleander
Yellow oleander is extremely toxic and many cases of accidental poisonings have been recorded. The toxic oils found in this plant are sometimes used in pest control measures. However, the Cascabela thevetia does have significance in some religious ceremonies, specifically the worshiping of Shiva, a Hindu deity.
Madagascar periwinkle
3. Madagascar periwinkle
The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.
Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration
From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.
Download the App for Free
Tropical almond
4. Tropical almond
Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.
Egyptian starcluster
5. Egyptian starcluster
Egyptian starcluster (Pentas lanceolata) is a flowering plant native to Africa and Yemen. Egyptian starcluster is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens where it attracts butterflies.
Royal poinciana
6. Royal poinciana
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.
Corn plant
7. Corn plant
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”
Grow stick
8. Grow stick
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.
Golden dewdrops
9. Golden dewdrops
Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.
Common lantana
10. Common lantana
The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.
Jade plant
11. Jade plant
Looking like a miniature fairy tale tree, jade plant is one of the world's most popular succulents. Native to southern regions of Africa, Crassula ovata is well adapted to the dry warm air of modern homes. It grows slowly but lives for so long that plants get passed from generation to generation. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and even mildly toxic to humans.
Paperflower
12. Paperflower
The paperflower is commonly used as an outdoor ornamental plant and thrives in warm climates. The genus Bougainvillea glabra is the official flower of many places, including Guam, Pingtung, Ipoh, Tagbilaran, San Clemente, Guangzhou, and Naha.
Indian shot
13. Indian shot
Despite its name, indian shot is a flowering perennial plant native to Central and South America. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world and has become a popular garden plant known for its large decorative leaves, fiery red blooms, and ease of cultivation. It is a traditional minor food for indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Guava
14. Guava
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.
Cape leadwort
15. Cape leadwort
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.
Four o'clock flower
16. Four o'clock flower
Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.
Flamingo flower
17. Flamingo flower
Flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum) is an ornamental perennial plant, famous for its pink or bright red heart-shaped flowers with very prominent pistils. Aside from its decorative attributes, flamingo flower is said to have excellent air-purifying properties.
Chinese hibiscus
18. Chinese hibiscus
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.
Burro's tail
19. Burro's tail
The stems of burro's tail grow upright at first, then bend when they reach a certain height and creep to the ground. This makes them perfect for planting in large hanging pots. Plant a hanging pot full of burro's tail seedlings and over time they will slowly form a "waterfall" shape.
Asian Rice
20. Asian Rice
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.
Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Identify toxic plants around you
Easily find your perfect green friends
Get full care tips and tricks for your plants
Download the App for Free
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

Icon plant

More Plants in Malawi

Mask group

Most Common Toxic Plants

Malawi's warm, wet climate, interspersed with varied topography, creates an environment conducive to a range of flora, including toxic plants. The prevalence of such vegetation, like , , and , poses ecological and health risks. These species thrive amid Malawi's plentiful rainfall and rich soils, prompting vigilance in managing their spread and impact on local ecosystems and communities.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

Malawi, with its warm climate and nutrient-rich soil, provides an ideal environment for various native flowers to flourish. Among them, the striking , , and hold great significance in the region. These flowers not only add to the visual charm of Malawi but also carry symbolic and ecological importance. Trustworthy sources reveal the resplendent beauty and ecological value of these indigenous blooms in the region.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Malawi embraces the transformative warmth of Spring, the land burgeons with life, coaxing a myriad of flowers into picturesque bloom. Standouts like , , and punctuate the landscape with vivacious hues, each symbolizing the nation's rich floriculture. These blooms not only signify the season's arrival but also play crucial roles in local ecosystems and cultural practices, marking a time of renewal and growth.

Mask group

Most Common Spring Fruits

With the rains subsiding, Spring in Malawi ushers a season of bountiful harvests, where warmth encourages ripening and the land is teeming with freshness. From this nurturing palette emerges , , and , each fruit bursting with seasonal vibrancy. These fruits are not just a testament to the region's fertile realms but are integral to local diets, economies, and traditions during the Spring rejuvenation.

Mask group

Most Common Fruits

Malawi's warm subtropical climate and fertile soils are highly conducive to the cultivation of a variety of local fruit plants. Important crops such as , , and greatly benefit from the consistent rainfall and temperature patterns characteristic of the region. These fruit plants hold substantial cultural significance and are integral to the local diet, economy, and traditions, underscoring their prominence in Malawian agriculture.

Mask group

Most Common Trees

Malawi's climate and soil conditions are conducive to the growth of a variety of indigenous trees. Three emblematic trees found in the region include , , and . These trees hold great significance both culturally and ecologically. They provide habitats for a diverse range of fauna, contribute to the country's biodiversity, and have been used for various traditional practices and medicinal purposes. Their presence in Malawi's environment highlights the rich natural heritage of the country.

Mask group

Most Common Weeds

Malawi's warm climate, coupled with heavy seasonal rains, creates ideal conditions for rampant weed growth. Common garden weeds that challenge local green thumbs include , , and . These invasive species not only compete with cultivated flora for space, nutrients, and light but also pose trouble for farmers and gardeners striving to maintain biodiversity and productivity in their plots.

Mask group

Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled in the warm heart of Africa, Malawi's predominantly subtropical climate and diverse landscapes, from mountains to woodlands, cradle an assortment of soaring arborescents. Among these, , , and represent the zenith of vegetative marvels, each piercing the heavens and sculpting the skyline. These titans anchor the ecosystem with their ecological gravitas, whispering tales of the land's verdant heritage.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Malawi may be cold and serene, but it is also the time when certain flowers brave the chill and bloom. Despite the frosty environment, , , and showcase their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers bring vibrant colors and symbolic depth to the landscape, proving that even in the harshest conditions, nature finds a way to thrive.

close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app