Also known as Castor Oil Plant, Ricinus belongs to the spurge family native to tropical Africa but cultivated worldwide for commercial uses. The plant can reach up to 30 feet in tropical climates and bears giant palmate leaves that can … Continued
A member of Asparagaceae, A. atrovirens is the largest of all Agaves (each leaf can weigh 100 lbs!). Agave has many important practical uses. While this species is used in tequila production, the fiber from its leaves can be used … Continued
Ananas comosus, in the family Bromeliaceae, is indigenous to South America. During the 1600s and 1700s, it was considered a highly valuable commodity in Europe and America. As pineapples require heat and humidity, they were rare and very expensive to acquire. … Continued
A native of Europe, this lovely plant has delicate bell-shaped flowers that are sweetly scented. Alas, it is very poisonous and possibly deadly, with the presence of about 40 cardiac glycosides.
A native of North America, often with beautiful spathe patterns and clusters of bright red berries. Due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, it is very poisonous. Ingesting any part of the plant (even in small amounts) causes a … Continued
This Sarracenia purpurea is the two millionth digitized specimen at the Steere Herbarium of the New York Botanical Garden. This rare and unique insect-eating purple pitcher plant thrives in low nutrient habitats such as bogs. Their leaves are modified into pitcher-like … Continued