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

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

Berlinia razzifera

Berlinia razzifera is a rare rainforest tree from river banks in the Loango National Park of Gabon.

More: Trees, Legume family, Plant fungal relationships, Kew discoveries

Gymnosiphon afro-orientalis

This flowering plant does not photosynthesise, but depends on fungi instead for survival.

More: Kew discoveries, Little and large, Plant fungal relationships, Out of the ordinary

Lactarius chromospermus (igisazi)

Lactarius chromospermus is an African milk-cap fungus species with chocolate brown gills that only forms a symbiotic relationship with species of Brachystegia in Miombo woodland.

More: Fungi, Plant fungal relationships

Lactifluus gymnocarpoides (Ubutuntutuntu)

Lactifluus gymnocarpoides is an edible species of milk cap fungus that form relationships with the roots of certain tropical legume trees and is widespread in tropical Africa.

More: Fungi, Food, Plant fungal relationships

Russula meleagris

The fungus Russula meleagris is always found in a mutually beneficial association with a tropical legume tree species, Gilbertiodendron dewevrei, and has a smell that has been described as resembling that of a public toilet!

More: Fungi, Out of the ordinary, Plant fungal relationships