Plants & Fungi A - Z

Explore our profiles of plants and fungi.

These illustrated profiles contain a wealth of facts, including details on conservation, uses and habitats – as well as Kew’s connections with the species. They have been chosen to inspire interest in plants, detail our science and conservation work and showcase star plants in the Gardens.

This is a constantly growing resource with new profiles added every week - so do be sure to check back regularly.

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Narcissus cantabricus (white hoop petticoat daffodil)

The white hoop petticoat daffodil is named after the characteristic shape of its flower.

More: Alpines, Ornamentals

Narcissus pseudonarcissus (daffodil)

The daffodil is the 'golden' flower that inspired the poetry of William Wordsworth.

More: Ornamentals, Traditions and beliefs

Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus)

Revered as a divine symbol for more than 5,000 years, the sacred lotus is a truly iconic plant.

More: Ornamentals, Traditions and beliefs, Food

Nematolepis wilsonii (shining nematolepis)

Shining nematolepis was thought to have become extinct in its one known site after the bush fires of February 2009. However, more intensive monitoring discovered a new population nearby with some adult plants and healthy seedlings.

More: Saving species

Neotinea ustulata (burnt-tip orchid)

An orchid endangered in the UK, the burnt-tip orchid gets its common name from the burnt appearance of its flowers when in bud.

More: Orchids, Saving species

Nepenthes bicalcarata (fanged pitcher plant)

Nepenthes bicalcarata, a distinctively ‘fanged’ pitcher plant from Borneo, has a mutually beneficial relationship with ants living inside its tendrils.

More: Amazing adaptations, Carnivorous, Ornamentals, Out of the ordinary

Nepenthes rajah

Famous as the rat-trapping pitcher plant, Nepenthes rajah has some of the largest pitchers in the genus Nepenthes.

More: Carnivorous, Out of the ordinary, Great plant hunters

Nepenthes robcantleyi (Robert Cantley’s pitcher plant)

A pitcher plant from the Philippines, description of Nepenthes robcantleyi was based on plants known from only a single location, where the forest has since been cut down.

More: Carnivorous, Amazing adaptations, Kew discoveries

Nerine humilis (nerine)

Nerine humilis is a low-growing, pink-flowered bulb, found on rocky slopes in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa, often flowering in huge numbers after veld fires.

More: Alpines, Ornamentals

Nerium oleander (oleander)

Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander, is a highly toxic plant that has been cultivated since ancient times.

More: Medicinal, Ornamentals

Nesiota elliptica (St Helena olive)

St Helena olive disappeared from the wild in 1994 and became extinct in 2003 when the cultivated seedlings and cuttings succumbed to fungal infections.

More: Trees, Great plant hunters