The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Sim sim (Sesamum indicum) was one of the first oilseed crops in history. It has roots in India and Africa, but can now be found around the world. Since it has been domesticated for so long, it has been adapted to many climates and soil types. The nuts may trigger allergies in some individuals.

The song of india has distinctive leaves that stay green year-round. The plant's unique appearance and low-maintenance nature make it popular as a houseplant. The song of india is native to Indian Ocean islands including Madagascar, though not, oddly, to India itself.

A showpiece of the southern United States is the southern magnolia. This tree is known by its dark green oval leaves that are leathery in feel and its beautiful waxy flowers. The southern magnolia blooms are thought to symbolize dignity and nobility. White versions of the flower are commonly used in bridal bouquets to denote purity.

Fast and easy to grow, california wild grape can be trained on trellises or grown as a groundcover. The hardy vines can grow up to 9 m long. This deciduous vine turns beautiful shades or red in the fall and then drops its leaves. The bunches of small grapes are edible but usually sour. California wild grape makes a great garden or backyard addition but may become invasive.

An important subsistence crop, pearl millet is hardy and drought-tolerant. Also known as Cenchrus americanus, it grows well near deserts where the rainfall is low. It has been cultivated in the United States since the 1850s and there are records of this important crop being grown since 2000 B.C.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a hibiscus species native to Africa. The fragrant plant has many uses as an infusion in beverages, as a vegetable, and in culinary use in jams and preserves.

Citron (*Citrus medica*) is a citrus species whose use dates back to the days of Ancient Greece, with preserved pollen indicating its cultivation at least 2,500 years ago. Although it looks scrumptious, this lemon-like citrus is mostly composed of rind and has very little pulp. This variety of citrus actually predates lemons, which were selectively bred into what we know today. The citron fruit is used in various religious ceremonies in the Mediterranean region and elsewhere.

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.

Teak (Tectona grandis) is a tropical, deciduous hardwood tree highly valued for its wood and oil. Can grow to 40 m tall. The wood’s natural oil makes it termite-resistant, and the tight grain makes it weather-resistant and popular for outdoor furniture construction.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a herbaceous perennial plant closely related to marjoram. Ancient Greeks and Romans considered it a symbol of happiness. It is one of the most popular spice herbs, used in various cuisines all over the world. Oregano oil can be derived from the plant as well. Unfortunately, legal action has been required to stop suppliers of the oil from falsely claiming unproven health benefits.

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.

Common hawkweed (Hieracium lachenalii) is a member of the sunflower family that's related to prickly lettuce and dandelions. It's indigenous to Europe and is also known by a variety of other common names, including Greenland hawkweed, yellow hawkweed, rattlesnake weed, and golden lungwort.

The ti plant is a palm-like shrub that symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead for some Austronesian cultures, having many ceremonial purposes. In practical terms, ti plant is used to make dyes and is grown for ornamentation.

The sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) grows best in full sun and moist soil. It thrives in rocky dirt and nutrient-rich soil. For an annual plant, it's slow to develop and grows best late in its growing season.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a nutritious, edible vegetable that contains folate, vitamins, and antioxidants. Okra is native to Ethiopia, but now grows commonly throughout the world. Okra is commonly prepared by frying, stewing, roasting, and grilling.

African marigold is a common garden plant with bright orange or red flowers. Its use in decorative and ceremonial gardens dates back to ancient Aztec civilizations. Not only does african marigold add bright colors, but it is also known to repel insects, rabbits, and deer thanks to its toxic latex.

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.

Cock's comb (Celosia cristata) is a crested flowering plant native to India. The plant is named for its blossom, which resembles the head of a rooster. Cock's comb is susceptible to fungal diseases.

Common corncockle (Agrostemma githago) is an annual that will grow to 91 cm tall. Its purple blooms flower from spring to summer with seeds ripening from summer to fall. Considered a weed in cultivated farm areas it can be a nice addition to the home garden. The rigid stems make it an excellent choice for a cut flower arrangement.