Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.

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.

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

The seagrape is native to tropical coastal areas in America and the Caribbean. It has many uses, including dune erosion control and ornamental plantings. The sap has been used for dyes and the wood is occasionally used for furniture. On some beaches, the seagrape is planted to help block the light from nearby buildings so that sea turtles won't be distracted by it and go off course.

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

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.

Not to be confused with other species with the same common name, trumpet tree, or Cecropia obtusifolia, is native to Central America. Though its large, wavy leaves don't resemble trumpets in shape, they can be rolled up and used as makeshift trumpets - thus the name. A quick-growing tree that thrives in disturbed areas, the trumpet tree has become invasive throughout Hawaii.

Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a plant that is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is at its peak during the middle of the summer. Golden shower tree is both the national flower and tree of Thailand. The Latin name "Cassia" comes from "Kassia", which means "fragrant plant." It holds a sacred place in scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Red powderpuff (Calliandra haematocephala) is a flowering plant also known as the fairy duster for obvious reasons. Each "feather" in the flower's puffball is a stamen. Red powderpuff is native to tropical regions of South America, though it can survive short periods of freezing temperatures. Caterpillars often feed upon this species. Its specific epithet means "blood-red head" in reference to the round red flower, though some examples have lighter-colored flowers that don't fit the moniker quite as well.

Bastardcedar (Guazuma ulmifolia) is a small tree native to areas in South and Central America, and the Caribbean. The species' wood has a lovely pale brown color and a pinkish heartwood. Due to its color and easy workability, it is used to make furniture and tool handles. The spiky, spherical fruits are important fodder for livestock in many places across the Caribbean.

Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena) is an evergreen tropical tree whose stiff, dark green leaves have a rough, sandpaper-like texture. It produces clusters of dark orange flowers, most in spring and summer, followed by edible fruit. It grows in sandy, salty, dry soil and does well in warm, coastal regions.

Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) is a tree that’s indigenous to lush and steamy regions of Southeast Asia. Another name for it is star fruit. People call it this because when you slice it in half, you’ll see an unmistakable star shape. Not only is the fruit tasty, but it also reportedly has health benefits.

Tamarind is a monotypic perennial tree grown for its timber and edible fruits. Tamarind trees yield brown seed fruits with a sweet, acidic pulp used in various varieties of cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish.

Maricao cimun is a valuable tree found in the regions of South America. The fruits are popularly marketed and consumed by the natives. The fruits are also used in carbonated beverages and have a high tannin content utilized for dyeing cotton cloth. Its branches are cast-off into streams to stupefy fish.

Upland Cotton (*Gossypium hirsutum*) is the most commonly planted agricultural cotton. An annual to perennial shrub whose large yellow to white cup-shaped flowers bloom in summer. Flowers are replaced by the cotton boll which contains the cotton fiber and about 36 seeds. Grows best in full sun and in clay sandy or loamy well-drained soil.

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata) is an evergreen tree that can grow from 37 to 46 m tall. It is native to the tropical Americas and is one of the world’s most important commercial timber species. The aromatic wood is a natural insect repellent, making it a popular source for furniture building of wardrobes and chests.

The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.

The peacock flower, Barbados' national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.

The white mangrove tree can be found around the world in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows in the coastal areas of tidal creeks, bays, and lagoons. The roots provide nursery shelters for many breeds of fish, and coastal birds roost in the branches. Laguncularia racemosa trees also provide important buffers against storm impacts along the coastline.