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

Acacia anegadensis (poke-me-boy)

Few trees are under greater threat from increases in sea level due to climate change than poke-me-boy, found almost exclusively on one of the British Virgin Islands (Anegada), which stands only 8 m above the Caribbean Sea.

More: Building materials, Gums and resins, Kew discoveries, Legume family, Trees

Acacia karroo (sweet thorn)

The fast-growing sweet thorn, with its striking yellow pompom-like flowerheads, is perhaps the most well-used acacia in southern Africa.

More: Legume family, Trees, Gums and resins, Food, Medicinal, Building materials

Acacia nilotica (acacia)

The wood of Acacia nilotica was used by ancient Egyptians to make statues and furniture.

More: Building materials, Medicinal, Trees, Legume family, Gums and resins, Traditions and beliefs

Acacia senegal (gum arabic)

Gum arabic has been used for at least 4,000 years in the preparation of food, in human and veterinary medicine, in crafts and as a cosmetic.

More: Medicinal, Building materials, Legume family, Trees, Gums and resins, Beauty and cosmetics

Albizia adianthifolia (flat-crown albizia)

Flat-crown albizia is an African tree with a wealth of uses, from the simple provision of shade to the preparation of a love charm.

More: Legume family, Ornamentals, Gums and resins, Medicinal, Building materials, Plant fungal relationships, Traditions and beliefs, Trees

Boswellia sacra (frankincense)

Frankincense, an oily gum resin from the tree Boswellia sacra and related species, is named in the Bible as one the three gifts given to the baby Jesus by the 'Three Wise Men'. It has been used for thousands of years in many different cultures.

More: Gums and resins, Traditions and beliefs, Medicinal

Commiphora guidottii (scented myrrh)

Believed to be the source of the scented myrrh mentioned in the Bible, Commiphora guidottii is a tree native to Somalia and Ethiopia.

More: Gums and resins, Traditions and beliefs, Medicinal, Beauty and cosmetics

Daniellia alsteeniana (mulombe)

Daniellia alsteeniana is one of the most charismatic and conspicuous trees in the woodlands and dry forests of northeastern Angola, where Kew is documenting species diversity to help build a case for conservation of this unique region.

More: Legume family, Trees, Gums and resins, Building materials, Saving species

Ficus benghalensis (banyan)

The banyan is a type of strangling fig, native to India and Pakistan. Known in Hindu mythology as 'the wish-fulfilling tree', banyans represent eternal life.

More: Trees, Traditions and beliefs, Gums and resins, Building materials, Textiles and dyes