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.
Follow Kew
Keep up to date with events and news from Kew
Araucaria araucana (monkey puzzle)
The monkey puzzle was given its name by an observer who thought that monkeys wouldn’t be able to climb the spiky branches.
More: Trees, Ornamentals, Traditions and beliefs, Building materials, Conifers, Food
Lagarostrobos franklinii (Huon pine)
Huon pine is a slow-growing Australian tree, some individuals of which are thought to be over 2,200 years old.
More: Trees, Ancient, Building materials, Beauty and cosmetics, Conifers
Pinus caribaea (Caribbean pine)
Caribbean pine is an important timber tree, one variety of which is under threat from an introduced scale insect.
More: Trees, Building materials, Gums and resins, Saving species, Conifers
Pinus pinea (stone pine)
Highly valued for its edible seeds known as ‘pine nuts’, the stone pine has been cultivated in Europe for almost 2,000 years.
More: Trees, Conifers, Ornamentals, Gums and resins, Food
Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant redwood)
Giant by name and giant by nature, this huge Californian conifer is by volume the largest tree in the world.
More: Trees, Little and large, Conifers
Taxodium distichum (bald cypress)
Bald cypress is an iconic tree that epitomizes the southeastern USA for residents and visitors alike.
More: Trees, Building materials, Conifers
Taxus baccata (common yew)
A densely branching evergreen that can live for centuries, the common yew is often found in British churchyards.
More: Trees, Building materials, Medicinal, Traditions and beliefs, Conifers
Wollemia nobilis (Wollemi pine)
The Wollemi pine was known only from fossils until 1994 when it was found growing in a rainforest gorge in Australia.
More: Trees, Ancient, Conifers
- Print friendly
- Send to a friend
-
Send to a friend Close
- Spread the word
-
Spread the word Close
- Blog this
- Donate
