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

Anthurium scherzerianum (flamingo flower)

These popular houseplants are known as flamingo flowers owing to the resemblance of the flowering parts to the body and twisted neck of a flamingo.

More: House plants, Ornamentals

Capsicum annuum (chilli pepper)

This species includes a wide variety of peppers, including chilli peppers used in curries and sweet bell peppers used in salads.

More: Food, Ornamentals, House plants

Curcuma roscoeana (jewel of Burma)

A popularly cultivated Curcuma, with beautiful, bright orange or yellow flowers, jewel of Burma is a member of the ginger family and an important Thai export.

More: House plants

Dendrobium bensoniae (Lady Benson’s dendrobium)

A large-flowered orchid from the forests of northeastern India and northern Burma, Lady Benson’s dendrobium is cultivated by orchid enthusiasts.

More: Orchids, Ornamentals, House plants

Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap)

The Venus flytrap “eats” insects and sometimes even small frogs that become trapped in its modified, toothed leaves; if the prey struggles, the trap will close even tighter.

More: Carnivorous, Out of the ordinary, Ornamentals, House plants

Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettia)

A small tree or shrub from Mexico and Guatemala, poinsettia is cultivated for its striking red bracts, and potted forms are the basis of a lucrative Christmas industry.

More: House plants, Ornamentals, Medicinal, Traditions and beliefs, Trees

Hedera helix (common ivy)

A woody climber native to Europe, common ivy has long been collected for winter decorations and is an important food-source for wildlife.

More: House plants, Medicinal, Ornamentals, Textiles and dyes, Traditions and beliefs

Leucocoprinus birnbaumii (plantpot dapperling)

The aptly named ‘plantpot dapperling’ mushroom often provides a surprise when its brilliant yellow fruiting bodies spring suddenly but fleetingly from plant pots in the dead of winter.

More: Fungi, House plants, Little and large