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.

Olive (Olea europaea) is an evergreen tree or shrub with great agricultural importance, especially in the Mediterranean. Its fruits are edible and widely used for making oil. Olive has acquired quite a few symbolic meanings during its long history of cultivation. The most popular symbol would probably be the olive branch, which represents peace and glory.

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) is an evergreen tree that will grow from 4 to 8 m tall and 4 to 8 m wide. Smells of strong resin it is grown commercially for its oil which is harvested between summer and fall. Produces small red mastic fruit that ripen and turn black in fall. Grows well in limestone and salty areas making it a good choice for coastal regions. Needs a wide area to grow makes a nice screen.

Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a flowering evergreen shrub native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Carob tree is often used in ornamental horticulture in gardens and landscaping practices. This shrub has edible pods that are sometimes toasted, ground into powder, and used as a cooking substitute for chocolate. For commercial purposes, the pods are often cultivated in large orchards.

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Another name for pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand with showy flowers that look like crimson bottlebrushes. If you take good care of it, this tree will last ten years.

The leaf of the bay laurel is widely known around the world and is used to season dishes, especially Mediterranean dishes. The aromatic whole bay leaves can be added during food preparation for flavor and then are typically removed before serving. Dried ground bay leaf can be used as a seasoning within the dish and is often added to soups and stews.

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.”

Norfolk island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a conifer tree native to Norfolk Island, a small island in the Pacific Islands. Now, it is a popular houseplant all around the world. However, norfolk island pine is in danger of dying out in the wild.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Ficus carica, colloquially known as the common fig, is a deciduous small tree or shrub widely known for its sweet, chewy fruits. This shrubby plant has a very, very long cultivation history. The earliest evidence of its cultivation was found in the Jordan Valley and go all the way back to the tenth millennium BC.

Floss silk tree (Ceiba speciosa) is a tree species native to South America. Floss silk tree may reach more than 25 m in height. The floss silk tree attracts hummingbirds. Other animals tend to stay away from this tree because the trunk is studded with thick, sharp thorns.

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.

Almond (Prunus dulcis) is a tree native to the Middle East that's prized and cultivated throughout the world for its edible nuts. The fruit of this species is called a drupe. Experts believe almond trees were one of the first trees cultivated by humans, starting some 4-5,000 years ago.

Arbutus unedo is an evergreen shrub or a small tree native to Europe. It is colloquially called strawberry tree because its bright red fruits somewhat resemble strawberries. The fruits of this lovely plant are very nutritious and full of sugar, which is why they are mostly used for making jams, pastries, fruit yogurts, and alcoholic beverages.

While the tree of heaven has a lovely name, it has a bad reputation in many areas of the US. Several states consider it an invasive species because of its aggressive growth, rapid reproduction, and ability to thrive in poor conditions. The root system of this tree routinely damages sidewalks, sewer systems and other structures.

Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is a medium-sized coniferous evergreen tree that has been cultivated outside its native region as an ornamental tree for millennia. Mediterranean cypress is native to the eastern Mediterranean region. It is cultivated in similar climates to the Meditteranean region, like California, South Africa, and Australia. This species is susceptible to dieback disease. The oldest living mediterranean cypress is estimated to be 4,000 years old and resides in famous ancient gardens in Iran.

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a small tree shrub that grows best in warm arid climates and is named for its pencil-sized succulent branches. Pencil cactus is native to black clay soils in Africa and can be poisonous if ingested. It produces a latex compound that can be poisonous and cause blindness.

White poplar (*Populus alba*) is a popular tree native to Morocco and Central Europe. White poplar is also called the silver poplar and the silverleaf poplar. White poplar grows in moist soils in areas with temperate climates. This tree is easy to carve and thus used for sculpture in China and Europe.