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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Angraecum sesquipedale (Christmas star orchid)
When Charles Darwin was sent a specimen of the Madagascan Christmas star orchid in 1862, he predicted that since the nectar was at the bottom of the long flower spur, a pollinator must exist with a tongue as long as the spur - 41 years later, such a moth was discovered.
More: Orchids, Ornamentals, Great plant hunters
Bulbophyllum macranthum
Bulbophyllum macranthum is an epiphytic orchid from southeast Asia, with long, creeping rhizomes and large, sweetly-scented, fly-pollinated flowers.
More: Orchids, Ornamentals
Bulbophyllum nocturnum
Bulbophyllum nocturnum was recently discovered on the island of New Britain (part of Papua New Guinea) and is the first known orchid with flowers that consistently open at night and close during the day.
More: Orchids, Kew discoveries, Making the news
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
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
Dactylorhiza purpurella (northern marsh orchid)
Northern marsh orchid is a European species with vivid purple-violet flowers.
More: Orchids
Dendrobium aphyllum
The proper scientific name of this commonly cultivated, tropical Asian orchid – most frequently known as Dendrobium aphyllum – is surrounded by much confusion.
More: Orchids
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
Dendrobium daklakense
Dendrobium daklakense is a showy, attractive Vietnamese orchid that has evaded discovery until very recently.
More: Orchids, Kew discoveries
Dendrobium nobile (noble dendrobium)
The dependable noble dendrobium is one of the most popular epiphytic orchids in cultivation.
More: Orchids
Epidendrum montserratense (Montserrat orchid)
In 2006, Kew conservationists rescued several plants of the endangered Montserrat orchid from dead trees on the volcano-ravaged island of Montserrat and installed them in the security of the island’s botanic garden.
More: Orchids, Saving species
Epidendrum radicans
A vigorous terrestrial orchid with bright orange and yellow flowers, Epidendrum radicans is grown as an ornamental and for cut flowers.
More: Orchids, Ornamentals
Neotinea ustulata (burnt-tip orchid)
An orchid endangered in the UK, the burnt-tip orchid gets its common name from the burnt appearance of its flowers when in bud.
More: Orchids, Saving species
Ophrys apifera (bee orchid)
The striking flowers of the bee orchid resemble a bee, resting on a pink flower.
More: Orchids, Amazing adaptations
Ophrys speculum (mirror orchid)
Ophrys speculum is a Mediterranean orchid that is pollinated exclusively by a single species of wasp.
Ornithochilus cacharensis
Ornithochilus cacharensis is a Critically Endangered orchid, which was recently discovered in Cachar, Assam (India).
More: Orchids
Paphiopedilum armeniacum (golden slipper orchid)
The endangered golden slipper orchid is highly prized as an ornamental.
More: Orchids, Ornamentals
Phalaenopsis amabilis (moth orchid)
The moth orchid was one of the first orchids to be described from the Far East and its hybrids are now popular as houseplants.
More: Ornamentals, House plants, Orchids
Prosthechea cochleata (cockleshell orchid)
The cockleshell orchid is the National Flower of Belize, where it is known to residents as the black orchid.
More: Orchids, Traditions and beliefs
Stanhopea tigrina (tiger-spotted stanhopea)
The spectacular and heavily scented tiger-spotted stanhopea has, as the name suggests, large flowers marked with distinctive purplish-brown streaks and stripes on a yellowish background.
More: Orchids, Ornamentals
Vanda coerulea (blue vanda)
The stunning blue vanda is responsible for the dramatic blues and purples seen in many cultivated vanda orchids.
More: Orchids, Ornamentals
Vanilla planifolia (vanilla)
Vanilla planifolia is the source of vanilla, one of the most popular flavours in the world, and weight for weight, one of the most valuable spice crops.
More: Orchids, Food, Beauty and cosmetics, Medicinal
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