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.

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.

Pink-sorrel (Oxalis articulata) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in temperate climates throughout its native South America. Pink-sorrel is popular for ornamental ground cover growth in China and Turkey. It is susceptible to fungal disease.

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.

Pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii) is a palm species native to China, Laos, and Vietnam. Pygmy date palm is commonly cultivated as an indoor houseplant. This plant requires direct sunlight for optimal growth. In nature, it grows alongside rivers.

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.

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.

The peacock plant sports large, thin leaves in varied shades of green. The plant thrives in warm, humid environments such as its native Brazil. It is a classic example of a "prayer plant," meaning its leaves appear to close up at night and open again in the morning.

Bird's-nest fern (Asplenium nidus) is a fern species native to tropical Southeast Asia. The common name bird's-nest fern refers to the plant's central rosette where the fern's fronds unfurl. This part of the plant resembles miniature bird eggs.