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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Cuscuta epithymum (clover dodder)
Clover dodder is one of the most rapidly growing parasitic plants.
More: Medicinal
Cylindrocline lorencei
A botanical curiosity, Cylindrocline lorencei was considered extinct in the wild in 1990, but has recently been reintroduced to Mauritius.
More: Saving species
Cylindropuntia imbricata (tree cholla)
The tree cholla is a cactus closely related to the prickly pear (Opuntia) and is equally spiny.
More: Ornamentals
Cymbidium hookerianum
The large-flowered Cymbidium hookerianum was named in honour of Sir Joseph Hooker, the second Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
More: Orchids
Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass)
Lemon grass is a tall, Asian grass, long-known for its attractive scent and medicinal properties.
More: Grass family, Beauty and cosmetics, Food
Cyphelium notarisii (soot lichen)
Found on wooden structures, Cyphelium notarisii can be distinguished from similar lichens by the sooty residue left on fingers after rubbing the fruitbodies.
More: Fungi
Cypripedium calceolus (lady's slipper orchid)
The lady's slipper orchid is one of the best known and most widely illustrated of all flowering plants.
More: Orchids, Saving species
Cyrtostachys bakeri
A spectacular new species of canopy palm recently discovered by Kew botanists in the remote Western Province of Papua New Guinea.
More: Palms, Kew discoveries
Cyttaria darwinii (Darwin's fungus)
Darwin's fungus is a parasitic, golf ball-like fungus that was named in honour of Charles Darwin, who collected it in Tierra del Fuego during his voyage on HMS Beagle in 1832.
More: Fungi, Food, Great plant hunters
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