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.

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.

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.

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.

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

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.

Blue jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is a plant species native to southern South America. Blue jacaranda grows in many cities around the world. Pretoria, South Africa is known as the Jacaranda City. The blue jacaranda is often referenced in songs and literature.

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.

The loquat is an evergreen tree that bears delicious fruit, which shares its name. Its origins lie in China, but the tree has since been introduced to a variety of locations across Asia, Southern Europe, and North America. The fruit is generally eaten raw, mixed into fruit salads, or turned into jam. The seeds, however, should not be eaten. In Italy, loquat is used to make nespolino liqueur.

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.

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.

Drooping prickly pear (*Opuntia monacantha*) is a fast-growing succulent shrub that will grow up to 6 m tall. It blooms in summer with yellowish to deep orange flowers that are large, up to 8 cm long, and 10 cm wide. The large fruit is reddish-purple and ripens in the fall. It grows best in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil.

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.”

Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a partially deciduous shrub-like tree that can grow from 6 to 8 m tall. Large fragrant flowers resembling orchids blossom from winter to spring. The colors of the flowers range from orchid purple to light pink all in the same blossom. A fast-growing tree that blooms best in full sun makes a spectacular street tree when grown in warm climates.

Java plum (Syzygium cumini) is a plant species native to Asia and Australia. Java plum grows in moist, riverine habitats. This species is valued for its fruit and timber. Its fruit is consumed by animals including jackals and fruit bats. The fruits, called Jambolan fruits, are edible, have a sweet and acidic flavor, and can be made into sauces and jams.

Caryota mitis, known as the clustering fishtail palm or fishtail palm, is a species of palm native to Tropical Asia from India to Java to southern China, now sparingly naturalized in southern Florida and in parts of Africa and Latin America. The species was originally described from Vietnam in 1790. In Florida, it grows in hummocks and in disturbed wooded areas. Caryota mitis has clustered stems up to 10 m tall and 15 cm in diameter. Leaves can be up to 3 m long. Flowers are purple, and the fruits—harmful to humans—are dark purple or red.

Because of its prolific blossoming, which can blanket the tree canopy and provide abundant shade, the southern silky oak is a good tree for parks. Its resplendent flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Prior to the invention of aluminum, its wood, which is resistant to wood rot, was frequently used for external window joinery.

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.

The octopus tree is a large evergreen tree known for its distinctive drooping leaves. These leaves have earned it the nicknames "octopus tree" and "Australian umbrella tree." It is native to the Queensland area of Australia. Its root system is aggressive, however, so it can become invasive and choke out other species.

Sacred fig or Ficus religiosa, gets its name because it is considered sacred to Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Although a member of the mulberry family, the sap of the sacred fig may cause skin reactions if handled.