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".

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.

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.

The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a flowering shrub that thrives in subtropical regions. While it prefers full sun, it can grow with partial shade and tolerate temperatures as low as -23 ℃. The chaste tree has been cultivated in Europe dating back to Ancient Greece. Modern use focuses on creating essential oils from the leaves and fruits.

Wild rue (Peganum harmala) is a perennial herbaceous shrub native to southeast Europe that can grow to 91 cm tall. It has fragile-looking succulent leaves and stalks. Small white flowers bloom from spring to fall, at varying times depending on location. It is considered a weed in some areas.

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.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family of Fabaceae. The common name alfalfa is mainly used in North America. In the rest of the world, this crop is called "lucerne." This plant looks similar to clover due to its purple flowers.

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.

Painted-leaf begonia (Begonia rex) is a flowering perennial native to tropical climates in Central America and South America. Painted-leaf begonia is cultivated inside as a houseplant in temperate climates and grown outside in cooler climates.

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*.

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.

Hottentot fig (Carpobrotus edulis) is a ground-creeper native to South Africa. Hottentot fig is also sometimes called the highway ice plant, the pigface, and the sour fig. This species is pollinated by honey bees, carpenter bees, and beetles. Antelope and baboons are fond of eating hottentot fig flowers. This species is considered invasive in California and Australia. Hottentot fig has edible leaves and fruit, which can be made into a tart jam.

Evergreen spindle(Euonymus japonicus) is a popular ornamental evergreen shrub with numerous cultivars. Due to its superb adaptability and decorative looks, evergreen spindle can be found in parks and gardens all over the world. Its flowers produce a lot of nectar, which makes this plant very attractive to bees.

The garden phlox is a flowering plant that is native to the United States. The name, phlox, comes from the Latin for "flame," reflecting its bright colors. Garden phlox flowers can become important food sources for insects and hummingbirds.

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.

Western flax is a woody-based perennial wildflower naturally occurring in dry, rocky areas and open woodland. This sun-loving, springtime bloomer is often used as a carrier oil for the color pigment in oil paints. Western flax has been cultivated for xeriscaping.

Jerusalem artichoke is a North American native sunflower with large amber flower heads, broad leaves, and sturdy branches. Its tubers are a highly nutritious vegetable food crop that tastes sweet and nutty. The plant's Latin name, Helianthus tuberosus, stems from helios, the Greek word for sun, and anthos, meaning flower.

The pot marigold is a herbaceous perennial plant often recognized by its thick, orange-yellow blooms with numerous petals. Flowers of the pot marigold have a long history of table use. They are often served in salads or as a decoration. The flowers can also be made into a similarly-colored dye for foods, textiles, or cosmetic products.

Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a palm tree native to Mexico and Guatemala which grows in rainforest environments. Parlor palm is widely cultivated as a houseplant and grows well in light soil out of direct sunlight.

While the black locust may have a bad reputation in many areas of the US due to its opportunistic and rapid growth, there are benefits to this tree. The black locust is an important food source for honey bees and is a good choice for windbreaks since it grows so quickly (91 to 122 cm per year). Its wood also resists rot, so it is used in fenceposts. The plant is highly toxic, though, and should never be consumed.