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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Agrostis trachychlaena (bentgrass)

A rare grass species, Agrostis trachychlaena occurs within an area of only 16 km² on two islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Fewer than 250 mature individuals are thought to survive.

More: Grass family, Saving species

Avena sativa (oat)

Oat is cultivated throughout the temperate world, to produce food for livestock and humans, and even as an ingredient for cosmetics.

More: Grass family, Food, Beauty and cosmetics

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

Deschampsia cespitosa (tufted hair-grass)

Tufted hair-grass is a large, tussock-forming grass, once used to form the roof of one of the oldest thatched cottages in England.

More: Grass family, Building materials

Hierochloe odorata (sweet grass)

Hierochloe odorata is an aromatic grass native to Europe, Asia and North America, which has been used for incense and basketry by Native Americans.

More: Grass family, Traditions and beliefs, Textiles and dyes, Medicinal

Hordeum marinum (sea barley)

Sea barley is a wild relative of the well-known cereal barley (Hordeum vulgare).

More: Grass family

Imperata cylindrica (alang-alang)

Alang-alang is considered one of the ten worst weeds in the world, but has many uses as a traditional medicine.

More: Medicinal, Grass family, Beauty and cosmetics, Textiles and dyes

Oryza sativa (rice)

One of the world’s most important staple crops and a major part in the diet of more than half the world’s population, rice also has many medicinal uses.

More: Grass family, Food, Medicinal, Beauty and cosmetics, Traditions and beliefs

Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Bindura bamboo)

Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Bindura bamboo) is a drought-resistant bamboo from tropical Africa. Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank holds several thousand seeds from this species.

More: Fuels, Medicinal, Grass family, Amazing adaptations