Found throughout Africa and into the Arabian Peninsula, umbrella thorn acacia (Vachellia tortilis) thrives in desert conditions, and its pods and leaves provide much needed food for desert animals. It is named for its umbrella shape and the thorns that grow in pairs along its branches. Many birds next in the umbrella thorn acacia, using the thorns and high branches for protection.

Gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) is an important salt-loving tree that is used extensively to prevent coastal erosion. It is also extremely important to the fishing industry, particularly in Australia, where it provides protected waters for the young of many commercial species. It is not only ecologically important but economically too -- the bark is used to make dark red and brown dyes, while the wood has many crafting uses. Take care, as the seeds of gray mangrove are toxic.

Mesquite is a small deciduous tree that is both highly invasive and quite valuable. The wood is used as fuel and timber, and the pods are used as fodder. Mesquite also helps with erosion control. Both its value and invasiveness cause a conflict of interest when managing this species.

Yellow oleander is extremely toxic and many cases of accidental poisonings have been recorded. The toxic oils found in this plant are sometimes used in pest control measures. However, the Cascabela thevetia does have significance in some religious ceremonies, specifically the worshiping of Shiva, a Hindu deity.

Apple of Sodom, or Calotropis procera, is an extremely poisonous plant. The fruit of this plant ripens and bursts, causing the seeds to scatter. In Jamaica, the fibers inside of the fruit are collected and used to stuff pillows.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While the Pithecellobium dulce has pods that closely resemble tamarind, they actually peel away easily. The edible flesh is then separated and eaten on its own or prepared in dishes. Also known as manila tamarind, it has a spiny tree that can grow up to 20 m tall.

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.

Singapore graveyard flower (Plumeria obtusa) is a plant species native to the West Indies and naturalized elsewhere. The singapore graveyard flower is grown for its showy, aromatic flowers, and in Cambodia the blossoms are used in religious offerings. This plant is most commonly cultivated in Southeast Asia.

Nosegay tree (Plumeria alba) is a deciduous shrub native to Central America and the Caribbean. Although it is native to these regions, it has become most widely cultivated in southeast Asia. Nosegay tree is the national flower of Laos. In Laos, this species is a symbol of luck and called Dok Champa. Nosegay tree is often cultivated as an ornamental plant, especially in Cambodian pagodas.

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.

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is also known as the “peacock tree” or the “flamboyant tree.” It’s a Madagascar native and is known for its brilliant crimson or red-yellow flowers. It grows exceedingly fast, reaching its maximum height of around 12 m in a short amount of time.

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.

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous shrub with trumpet-shaped pink, lavender, or white flowers. Although it was first collected by Western botanists from Syrian gardens, “rose of sharon” is native to south-central and southeastern China. Because of its hardiness and prolific blooming, it is cultivated all around the world. It is the national flower of South Korea, mentioned in its national anthem.

Spiny fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum) is a tree native to southern Florida in the United States, as well as the Caribbean and northern South America. Blooms all year with semi-showy spikes of flowers. Prefers moist, well-drained soils and does not tolerate salt water or salt spray.

Glory bower (Volkameria inermis) can be found growing natively in Southeast Asia, India, Australia, and some Pacific Islands. Its evergreen branches can take the form of a bush or a climber. Its tough nature and good response to trimming make it a great selection for creating topiaries or hedges. The flowers are so fragrant that they often overwhelm other scents in the area!

Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is a tree species that germinates in cracks and crevices of other trees or structures. Banyan tree grows by emitting aerial roots and forming a canopy. The banyan tree is the national tree of the Republic of India and has religious significance.