Plant Genus Glossary

Every genus we grow, A to Z. Tap a name for its collection, its care guide, or the plant itself.

Every plant genus we grow, laid out A to Z. Looking for a particular Anthurium, or just seeing what's out there? Tap any name to open the full collection, or jump to its care guide. It's the quickest way through our whole range of rare houseplants.

495 genera

A

  • Abutilon4Flowering Maple / Indian MallowShrubby mallows (Malvaceae) with lantern-like, pendent bell flowers.
  • Acacia4Wattle / MimosaLegumes (Fabaceae), often thorny, with feathery foliage or flattened phyllodes.
  • AcalyphaCopperleaf / Chenille PlantEuphorbia-family shrubs grown for coloured foliage or fuzzy catkin flowers.
  • Acanthocereus
  • Acanthus
  • Acer7MapleMaples (Sapindaceae), deciduous trees and shrubs with lobed leaves.
  • Acorus2Sweet FlagGrass-like marginal aquatics (Acoraceae) with aromatic, fan-based foliage.
  • Actinidia3Kiwi / Hardy KiwiWoody climbers (Actinidiaceae) including the edible kiwifruit vine.
  • ActiniopterisRay FernSmall ferns with stiff, fan-shaped fronds resembling miniature palm leaves.
  • Adelobotrys
  • Adelonema4Tropical American aroids (Araceae), foliage plants segregated from Homalomena.
  • Adenia
  • Adenium5Desert RoseSucculent shrubs (Apocynaceae) with swollen caudex and showy flowers.
  • Adiantum4Maidenhair FernDelicate ferns with fine black stems and fan-shaped pinnae.
  • Adromischus8Small South African succulents (Crassulaceae) with thick, patterned leaves.
  • Aechmea5Urn PlantEpiphytic bromeliads forming water-holding rosettes with bright bracts.
  • Aeonium6Tree HouseleekRosette-forming succulents (Crassulaceae) native to the Canary Islands.
  • Aeschynanthus10Lipstick PlantTrailing epiphytic gesneriads with tubular red flowers.Care guide
  • Agapanthus3African Lily / Lily of the NileClump-forming perennials with umbels of blue or white flowers.
  • Agave12Century PlantRosette succulents (Asparagaceae) with fibrous, spine-tipped leaves.Care guide
  • AglaomorphaEpiphytic ferns (Polypodiaceae) with basket-forming, deeply lobed fronds.
  • Aglaonema83Chinese EvergreenTropical aroids grown for patterned, often colourful foliage.Care guide
  • AkebiaChocolate VineVigorous twining climbers (Lardizabalaceae) with scented, chocolate-purple spring flowers.
  • Albizia3Silk TreeLeguminous trees with feathery foliage and powderpuff flower heads.
  • AlbucaBulbous plants (Asparagaceae) with yellow-green flowers, some with spiralling leaves.
  • Alocasia181Elephant EarsTropical aroids grown for bold, often arrow-shaped or veined leaves.Care guide
  • Aloe12AloeRosette succulents (Asphodelaceae) with fleshy, often toothed leaves.Care guide
  • Aloiampelos
  • AloinopsisSmall clump-forming mesemb succulents (Aizoaceae) with tuberous roots.
  • Alpinia5Shell GingerRhizomatous gingers (Zingiberaceae) with aromatic foliage and showy flowers.
  • AlsobiaLace FlowerTrailing gesneriads with fringed white flowers, related to Episcia.
  • AlternantheraJoseph's Coat / JoyweedAmaranth-family foliage plants with small, colourful leaves.
  • Amorphophallus13Voodoo Lily / Corpse FlowerTuberous aroids with a single leaf and a giant, malodorous inflorescence.Care guide
  • Amydrium8Climbing tropical aroids (Araceae) whose mature leaves often become perforated.
  • AnacampserosSmall succulents (Anacampserotaceae) with fleshy leaves and fine hairs.
  • Anadendrum4Climbing aroids (Araceae) native to tropical Asia.
  • Ananas
  • AnaphyllumMarsh-dwelling aroids (Araceae) from India with twisted spathes.
  • AnathallisMiniature pleurothallid orchids (Orchidaceae) from the American tropics.
  • Anigozanthos
  • AnisocampiumDeciduous ferns (Athyriaceae) with finely divided, arching fronds.
  • Anoectochillus6Jewel OrchidTerrestrial jewel orchids grown for velvety, veined leaves.
  • Anoectochilus27Care guide
  • Anthurium479Flamingo Flower / LaceleafTropical aroids grown for glossy or velvet, often heart-shaped leaves.Care guide
  • Aphelandra3Zebra PlantTropical Acanthaceae with boldly veined leaves and bracted flower spikes.
  • Apoballis
  • ArachniodesEast Indian Holly FernFerns (Dryopteridaceae) with glossy, leathery, finely divided fronds.
  • AraucariaMonkey Puzzle / Norfolk Island PineAncient conifers (Araucariaceae) with symmetrical whorled branches.
  • Ardisia3Coral BerryEvergreen shrubs (Primulaceae) with glossy leaves and red berries.
  • ArecaBetel PalmTropical Asian palms (Arecaceae); includes the betel nut palm.
  • ArgostemmaSmall tropical herbs (Rubiaceae) of shaded, humid forest floors.
  • AristeaIris-family perennials (Iridaceae) with blue, star-shaped flowers.
  • Aristolochia2Dutchman's Pipe / BirthwortClimbers with pipe-shaped flowers, larval food for swallowtail butterflies.
  • Aronia
  • ArthrostemmaTropical American herbs (Melastomataceae) with pink flowers.
  • Asarum2Wild GingerWoodland perennials (Aristolochiaceae) with heart-shaped, aromatic leaves.
  • AsparagusAsparagus FernFoliage plants (Asparagaceae); ornamental kinds have fine, fern-like sprays.Care guide
  • Aspidistra3Cast Iron PlantTough, shade-tolerant perennials (Asparagaceae) with strappy leaves.
  • AspidogyneTerrestrial jewel orchids (Orchidaceae) from the Neotropics.
  • Asplenium10Spleenwort / Bird's Nest FernDiverse ferns; some form rosette nests, others fine divided fronds.
  • Asplundia
  • Astelia3Evergreen perennials (Asteliaceae) with silvery, sword-like leaves.
  • AstilbeFalse Goat's BeardShade perennials (Saxifragaceae) with feathery plumes of tiny flowers.
  • Astrophytum2Star CactusSpineless or ribbed cacti often flecked with white woolly scales.
  • Athyrium2Lady Fern / Painted FernDeciduous ferns with finely divided, sometimes coloured fronds.
  • Aucuba2
  • Avonia2Tiny succulents (Anacampserotaceae) with papery scale-covered stems.

B

  • Baccharis2Groundsel BushShrubs (Asteraceae) from the Americas, dioecious with wind-borne, tufted seeds.
  • Banksia
  • BarringtoniaFish Poison TreeTropical trees (Lecythidaceae) with showy, night-opening flowers.
  • Begonia190Huge genus of foliage and flowering plants for shade and humidity.Care guide
  • BertoloniaSmall tropical foliage plants (Melastomataceae) with iridescent leaves.
  • Beschorneria
  • Billbergia11Queen's TearsTubular-rosette bromeliads with arching, colourful flower spikes.
  • Biophytum3Small palm-like herbs (Oxalidaceae) with sensitive, folding leaflets.Care guide
  • Blechnum4Hard FernFerns (Blechnaceae) with leathery fronds and reddish new growth.
  • Boehmeria
  • Boophone
  • BrachychitonBottle Tree / KurrajongAustralian trees (Malvaceae) with swollen trunks and bell-shaped flowers.
  • BrachyglottisEvergreen shrubs (Asteraceae) from New Zealand with grey foliage and daisy flowers.
  • Brighamia2
  • Brunnera3Siberian BuglossShade perennials (Boraginaceae) with heart-shaped leaves and blue flowers.
  • Bulbophyllum21Enormous orchid genus with hinged lips and often bizarre flowers.Care guide

C

  • Caladium27Angel Wings / Elephant EarTuberous aroids grown for colourful, papery, heart-shaped leaves.Care guide
  • Calathea30Prayer Plant / Peacock PlantTropical Marantaceae with patterned leaves that move day to night.Care guide
  • Calliandra
  • Callisia2Basket Plant / Turtle VineTrailing spiderwort relatives (Commelinaceae) with fleshy stems.
  • Callistemon6BottlebrushAustralian shrubs (Myrtaceae) with brush-like flower spikes.
  • CalvoaTropical African herbs (Melastomataceae) of shaded forest.
  • Campsis2Trumpet Vine / Trumpet CreeperVigorous climbers (Bignoniaceae) with trumpet-shaped orange flowers.
  • Canna5Canna Lily / Indian ShotRhizomatous perennials with broad leaves and bright flowers.
  • CarexSedgeGrass-like sedges (Cyperaceae) with triangular stems.
  • CarludovicaPanama Hat PlantPalm-like Cyclanthaceae; one species yields Panama hat fibre.
  • Catalpa2Indian Bean TreeDeciduous trees (Bignoniaceae) with large leaves and bean-like pods.
  • Catharanthus2
  • Catopsis2Epiphytic bromeliads with soft, pale, funnel-shaped rosettes.
  • Cedrus
  • Celtis
  • CephalotaxusPlum YewConiferous shrubs (Cephalotaxaceae) with yew-like foliage and fleshy seeds.
  • Ceratostema
  • Cercestis2Climbing African aroids (Araceae); mature leaves may become netted.
  • CercisRedbud / Judas TreeSmall trees (Fabaceae) with pink flowers borne on bare branches.
  • Cereus5Tall columnar cacti (Cactaceae) with large, night-opening flowers.
  • Ceropegia10String of HeartsTrailing or succulent Apocynaceae with lantern-shaped trap flowers.Care guide
  • Cestrum
  • Chaenomeles
  • Chamaedorea5Parlour PalmSmall tropical palms tolerant of low light indoors.Care guide
  • ChamaeranthemumLow, creeping tropical foliage plants (Acanthaceae) with veined leaves.
  • ChamaeropsEuropean Fan Palm / Dwarf Fan PalmHardy, clump-forming fan palm native to the Mediterranean.
  • ChiritaAsian gesneriads, many now placed in Primulina, grown for foliage and flowers.
  • Chlorophytum5Spider PlantClump-forming perennials (Asparagaceae) with arching, often striped leaves.Care guide
  • Chlorospatha5Small Neotropical aroids (Araceae) with often patterned leaves.
  • Cinnamomum
  • Cissus5Grape IvyClimbing or succulent vines (Vitaceae) that cling by tendrils.Care guide
  • Citrus4CitrusEvergreen trees and shrubs (Rutaceae) bearing familiar edible fruit.
  • Cleistocactus2Silver TorchColumnar cacti with dense spines and tubular flowers.
  • ClematisClimbers (Ranunculaceae) with showy flowers and feathery seedheads.
  • Clianthus2Glory Pea / Parrot's BeakNew Zealand legumes with claw-shaped red flowers.
  • Codiaeum4CrotonEuphorbia-family shrubs grown for glossy, brightly coloured foliage.
  • Codonanthe2Trailing epiphytic gesneriads, often associated with ant nests.
  • CoffeaCare guide
  • Cojoba
  • Coleus3Coleus / Painted NettleFoliage plants (Lamiaceae) with vividly coloured, patterned leaves.
  • Colobogynium
  • Colocasia4Taro / Elephant EarTuberous aroids grown for large leaves; taro is a food crop.
  • Columnea12Goldfish PlantTrailing epiphytic gesneriads with tubular orange-red flowers.Care guide
  • CoprosmaMirror PlantEvergreen shrubs (Rubiaceae) with glossy, often brightly coloured leaves.
  • Cordyline3Cabbage Palm / Ti PlantWoody-stemmed foliage plants (Asparagaceae) with strappy, coloured leaves.
  • Cornus5
  • Corokia2
  • CortaderiaPampas GrassLarge ornamental grasses with tall, feathery plumes.
  • Costus6Spiral GingerRhizomatous plants (Costaceae) with spirally arranged leaves.
  • CotinusSmoke BushDeciduous shrubs (Anacardiaceae) with smoky, plume-like flower heads.
  • CotyledonPig's EarShrubby South African succulents (Crassulaceae) with fleshy leaves.
  • Crassula12Jade Plant / StonecropDiverse succulents (Crassulaceae) including the popular jade plant.Care guide
  • Crocosmia5MontbretiaCormous perennials (Iridaceae) with arching sprays of orange flowers.
  • CrossandraFirecracker FlowerTropical Acanthaceae with glossy leaves and fan-shaped orange flowers.
  • Cryptanthus3Earth StarFlat, star-shaped terrestrial bromeliads with patterned leaves.
  • Cryptomeria4
  • Ctenanthe4Never Never PlantMarantaceae grown for boldly patterned, upright foliage.Care guide
  • CulcasiaClimbing or terrestrial African aroids (Araceae).
  • Cumulopuntia2Cushion-forming Andean cacti (Cactaceae) of high altitudes.
  • Cuphea
  • Curcuma3Turmeric / Hidden GingerRhizomatous gingers (Zingiberaceae); includes culinary turmeric.Care guide
  • CussoniaCabbage TreeAfrican trees (Araliaceae) with palmate leaves and stout trunks.
  • Cyathea2Tree FernTree ferns (Cyatheaceae) with tall trunks and large, arching fronds.
  • CynanchumSwallow-wortTwining or succulent Apocynaceae with milky sap.
  • CyphostemmaCaudiciform succulents (Vitaceae) with swollen, water-storing trunks.
  • CyrtanthusFire LilySouth African bulbs (Amaryllidaceae) with tubular flowers.
  • Cyrtomium3Holly FernFerns (Dryopteridaceae) with glossy, holly-like leaflets.
  • Cyrtosperma9Large swamp aroids (Araceae) with tall, arrow-shaped leaves.

D

  • Daphne3
  • Davallia
  • DelospermaIce PlantMat-forming mesemb succulents (Aizoaceae) with daisy-like flowers.
  • Dendrochilum
  • Dianella2Flax LilyClump-forming perennials (Asphodelaceae) with strappy leaves and blue berries.
  • Dichroa
  • DicksoniaTree Fern / Soft Tree FernTree ferns (Dicksoniaceae) with fibrous trunks; hardy Tasmanian species popular.
  • DicranopygiumPalm-like herbs (Cyclanthaceae) from the American tropics.
  • Dieffenbachia6Dumb CaneTropical aroids with large, variegated leaves and irritant sap.Care guide
  • DietesFortnight Lily / African IrisRhizomatous Iridaceae with short-lived, iris-like flowers.
  • DionaeaVenus FlytrapCarnivorous plant with snap-trap leaves; the sole species.
  • Dioscorea4YamTwining vines (Dioscoreaceae) with edible or caudex-forming tubers.
  • DiosmaHeath-like South African shrubs (Rutaceae) with aromatic foliage.
  • Dischidia7Ant PlantEpiphytic trailing Apocynaceae, some with pouch-like leaves.Care guide
  • Distylium
  • DoryopterisHand FernFerns (Pteridaceae) with hand-shaped or arrow-shaped fronds.
  • DossiniaJewel OrchidTerrestrial orchid from Borneo grown for dark, veined leaves.
  • Dracaena10Dragon TreeWoody foliage plants (Asparagaceae); now includes former Sansevieria.Care guide
  • Dracula
  • DravieriaIntergeneric hybrids of Dracaena and Sansevieria grown as tough houseplants.
  • DrimiopsisBulbous plants (Asparagaceae) with spotted leaves, allied to Ledebouria.
  • Drosera4SundewCarnivorous plants with sticky, glandular tentacled leaves.Care guide
  • DrymoniaClimbing or shrubby Neotropical gesneriads.
  • Dryopteris7Wood Fern / Male FernRobust ferns (Dryopteridaceae) with divided fronds in shuttlecock crowns.
  • DypsisTropical palms (Arecaceae); includes the popular areca palm.

E

  • Echeveria6Rosette succulents (Crassulaceae) prized for symmetrical, colourful leaves.Care guide
  • Echinocactus2Barrel Cactus / Golden BarrelLarge, spherical to barrel-shaped cacti with heavy spines.
  • Echinocereus5Hedgehog CactusClustering cacti with spiny stems and large, colourful flowers.
  • Echinopsis2Sea Urchin CactusGlobular to columnar cacti with large, often nocturnal flowers.
  • EdgeworthiaPaperbushDeciduous shrubs (Thymelaeaceae) with fragrant winter flowers.
  • Elaphoglossum5Tongue FernFerns (Dryopteridaceae) with simple, undivided, leathery fronds.
  • Elatostema
  • Elatostemma2Shade-loving foliage herbs (Urticaceae) related to Pilea.
  • Elegia2South African restios (Restionaceae), rush-like evergreen perennials.
  • EmblemanthaVery rare shrub (Primulaceae) endemic to Sumatra.
  • Encyclia
  • Enkianthus
  • EnseteAbyssinian BananaGiant banana-like plants (Musaceae) grown from a single fleshy stem.
  • Epiphyllum11Orchid CactusEpiphytic cacti with flattened stems and large, showy flowers.
  • Epipremnum35Pothos / Devil's IvyClimbing aroids with glossy, often variegated leaves.Care guide
  • Episcia5Flame VioletTrailing gesneriads with velvety leaves and bright flowers.
  • Eriobotrya
  • EriosyceChilean globular cacti (Cactaceae) with stout spines.
  • Eryngium3Sea HollySpiny perennials (Apiaceae) with thistle-like, steely-blue flower heads.
  • EspostoaPeruvian Old Man CactusColumnar cacti clothed in dense white, woolly hairs.
  • EspostoopsisWoolly, columnar cacti (Cactaceae) native to Brazil.
  • EucalyptusGum TreeAromatic Australian trees (Myrtaceae) with distinctive juvenile foliage.
  • Eucomis4Pineapple LilyBulbous perennials (Asparagaceae) with pineapple-like flower spikes.
  • Euonymus3
  • Euphorbia54SpurgeVast genus (Euphorbiaceae) with milky latex, from succulents to poinsettias.Care guide

F

  • Farfugium
  • Fargesia4Umbrella BambooHardy, clump-forming bamboos (Poaceae) from the mountains of China.
  • Fascicularia2Hardy terrestrial bromeliads with spiny rosettes that flush red.
  • Fatshedera
  • Fatsia5Japanese AraliaEvergreen shrubs (Araliaceae) with large, glossy, palmate leaves.
  • FaucariaTiger JawsClumping mesemb succulents (Aizoaceae) with toothed, jaw-like leaves.
  • Feijoa
  • Fenestraria
  • Ferocactus3Barrel Cactus / Fishhook CactusLarge barrel cacti with stout, often hooked spines.
  • Festuca2FescueTufted grasses (Poaceae); ornamental kinds have blue foliage.
  • Ficus28FigFigs (Moraceae), from rubber plants to weeping figs and edible figs.Care guide
  • Fittonia2Nerve Plant / Mosaic PlantLow tropical Acanthaceae with vividly veined leaves.Care guide
  • FockeaCaudiciform succulents (Apocynaceae) with swollen underground stems.
  • FrangulaAlder BuckthornDeciduous shrubs (Rhamnaceae) with berries ripening red then black.
  • Franklinia
  • FreycinetiaClimbing pandanus relatives (Pandanaceae) from Asia and the Pacific.
  • Fuchsia2Fuchsia / Lady's EardropsShrubs (Onagraceae) with pendent, two-tone tubular flowers.

G

  • GardeniaCape JasmineEvergreen shrubs (Rubiaceae) with intensely fragrant, waxy white flowers.
  • Gasteria5Ox TongueSouth African succulents (Asphodelaceae) with tongue-shaped, mottled leaves.
  • Geogenanthus4Seersucker PlantTropical Commelinaceae with puckered, dark, iridescent leaves.
  • Geophila
  • Geranium2CranesbillHardy perennials (Geraniaceae) with beaked seed capsules.
  • Ginkgo2Maidenhair TreeAncient deciduous gymnosperm with fan-shaped leaves; sole living species.
  • GloriosaGlory Lily / Flame LilyClimbing lilies (Colchicaceae) with reflexed, flame-coloured flowers.
  • Gonatopus
  • Goodyera5Rattlesnake PlantainTerrestrial jewel orchids with veined, patterned leaves.
  • Grevillea
  • GriseliniaNew Zealand BroadleafEvergreen shrubs (Griseliniaceae) with glossy, leathery leaves.
  • Guzmania2Scarlet StarEpiphytic bromeliads with rosettes and bright flower bracts.
  • Gymnocalycium10Care guide
  • Gynostemma
  • Gynura2Purple Passion Plant / Velvet PlantFoliage plants (Asteraceae) with purple, velvety, hairy leaves.Care guide

H

  • Hakonechloa4Japanese Forest GrassOrnamental grass (Poaceae) with cascading, often golden, arching foliage.
  • Hamamelis
  • Hapaline4Small tropical aroids (Araceae) from Asia.
  • Hardenbergia2Coral PeaAustralian twining legumes with sprays of purple pea flowers.
  • Haworthia3Zebra Plant / Pearl PlantSmall South African rosette succulents (Asphodelaceae).
  • Hedera2IvyEvergreen climbing plants (Araliaceae) with lobed leaves.
  • Hemiboea
  • Hemigraphis3Purple Waffle PlantLow tropical Acanthaceae with metallic purple, puckered leaves.Care guide
  • HemionitisHeart FernSmall ferns (Pteridaceae) with heart-shaped fronds.
  • Heptapleurum
  • Heteropsis
  • Hibiscus6Hibiscus / Rose MallowMallow-family shrubs and perennials with large, showy flowers.
  • HildewinteraGolden Rat TailCacti with trailing spiny stems and orange flowers; now placed in Cleistocactus.
  • Hippophae
  • Homalomena25Tropical aroids grown for heart-shaped, often aromatic foliage.Care guide
  • Hoodia
  • Hosta28Plantain LilyShade perennials (Asparagaceae) grown for bold, often variegated leaves.
  • HoweaKentia PalmElegant palms from Lord Howe Island, popular indoors.Care guide
  • Hoya164Wax Plant / Porcelain FlowerClimbing or trailing Apocynaceae with waxy leaves and star-shaped flowers.Care guide
  • Huernia11Clumping stem succulents (Apocynaceae) with star-shaped, often spotted flowers.
  • Humata2Epiphytic ferns with furry creeping rhizomes, close to Davallia.
  • HuperziaTassel FernEpiphytic clubmosses (Lycopodiaceae) with trailing, tassel-like stems.
  • HydnophytumAnt PlantEpiphytic Rubiaceae with a swollen caudex that houses ants.
  • Hydrangea10HydrangeaShrubs and climbers (Hydrangeaceae) with large flower clusters.
  • HylocereusDragon FruitClimbing epiphytic cacti bearing dragon fruit, with huge night-opening flowers.

I

  • Impatiens5Busy Lizzie / BalsamSoft-stemmed plants (Balsaminaceae) with spurred flowers and exploding pods.
  • ImperataJapanese Blood GrassOrnamental grass (Poaceae) with upright, red-tipped blades.
  • Indigofera
  • Iresine5BloodleafFoliage plants (Amaranthaceae) with vivid red or yellow-veined leaves.Care guide
  • Iris
  • IsolatocereusTall columnar cactus (Cactaceae) native to Mexico.

J

  • Jasminum3
  • Jatropha3Euphorbia-family shrubs and caudiciform succulents with milky sap.
  • JosefiaMonotypic Bornean aroid (Araceae) with intricately veined, pendant leaves.
  • JusticiaShrimp PlantAcanthaceae shrubs with tubular flowers and colourful bracts.

K

  • KadsuraEvergreen woody climbers (Schisandraceae) with clustered red fruit.
  • Kaempferia4Peacock GingerLow rhizomatous gingers (Zingiberaceae) with patterned, ground-hugging leaves.
  • Kalanchoe7Flaming KatySucculents (Crassulaceae) grown for flowers or fleshy foliage.Care guide
  • Kleinia2Succulent members of the daisy family (Asteraceae), close to Senecio.
  • Kniphofia7Red Hot Poker / Torch LilyPerennials (Asphodelaceae) with tall spikes of tubular flowers.
  • KohleriaRhizomatous gesneriads with hairy leaves and speckled tubular flowers.

L

  • Labisia16Understorey tropical shrubs (Primulaceae) from Southeast Asia.Care guide
  • Lagerstroemia
  • Leea2Shrubs (Vitaceae) with divided, often bronze-tinted foliage.
  • Lepanthes22Miniature Neotropical orchids with intricate, tiny flowers.Care guide
  • LeptospermumTea Tree / ManukaAustralasian shrubs (Myrtaceae) with small leaves and starry flowers.
  • Leucadendron
  • Libertia2Evergreen perennials (Iridaceae) with white, iris-like flowers.
  • LicualaRuffled Fan PalmTropical palms with rounded, pleated, fan-shaped leaves.
  • Ligustrum
  • LiriopeLilyturfGrass-like evergreen perennials (Asparagaceae) with spikes of purple flowers.
  • Lithops4Living Stones / Pebble PlantsStemless mesemb succulents that mimic pebbles.Care guide
  • Livistona2Fountain PalmTall palms with large, fan-shaped leaves.
  • Lobivia2Cob CactusSmall globular Andean cacti with large flowers; now often placed in Echinopsis.
  • Lonicera2
  • LophophoraPeyoteSpineless, button-like cacti (Cactaceae) containing alkaloids.
  • Loropetalum2Chinese Fringe FlowerEvergreen shrubs (Hamamelidaceae) with fringed flowers and dark foliage.
  • Ludisia8Jewel OrchidTerrestrial orchid grown for dark, red-veined, velvety leaves.

M

  • Macodes3Jewel OrchidTerrestrial orchids with sparkling, gold-veined leaves.
  • Magnolia3MagnoliaTrees and shrubs (Magnoliaceae) with large, ancient-type flowers.
  • Mahonia9Oregon GrapeEvergreen shrubs (Berberidaceae) with holly-like leaves and yellow flowers.
  • Mammillaria20Pincushion CactusSmall clustering cacti with spine-tipped tubercles and ringed flowers.Care guide
  • MapaniaBroad-leaved sedge relatives (Cyperaceae) of tropical forest floors.
  • Maranta10Prayer PlantMarantaceae with patterned leaves that fold upward at night.Care guide
  • Marcgravia21Shingle PlantRoot-climbing tropical vines (Marcgraviaceae) that press flat against surfaces.Care guide
  • Masdevallia8Kite OrchidCool-growing orchids with triangular, tailed flowers.
  • MatteucciaOstrich FernDeciduous ferns with upright, shuttlecock-shaped fronds.
  • Matucana3Globular Peruvian cacti (Cactaceae) with tubular flowers.
  • Mediocalcar
  • Melaleuca
  • Metapanax
  • Michaelmoelleria
  • Micrechites
  • Microgramma2Small, creeping epiphytic ferns (Polypodiaceae) of the tropics.
  • Microsorum4Epiphytic ferns (Polypodiaceae); includes crocodile and Java ferns.Care guide
  • MimosaSensitive PlantLegumes; the sensitive plant folds its leaves when touched.
  • Miscanthus3Silver GrassTall ornamental grasses with feathery autumn plumes.
  • Monadenium
  • Monolena2Tuberous tropical foliage plants (Melastomataceae).
  • Monstera108Swiss Cheese PlantClimbing aroids with large, often perforated leaves.Care guide
  • MonvilleaSlender, columnar or sprawling cacti (Cactaceae).
  • Morus
  • Muehlenbeckia5Wire Vine / Maidenhair VineWiry, trailing plants (Polygonaceae) with tiny, round leaves.
  • Mukdenia
  • Murdannia2Spiderwort relatives (Commelinaceae) with grassy leaves.
  • Musa7BananaLarge herbaceous plants (Musaceae); source of edible bananas.Care guide
  • MyosotidiumChatham Island Forget-me-notBold coastal perennial (Boraginaceae) with glossy leaves and blue flowers.
  • Myrmecodia
  • MyrtillocactusBlue Candle / Bilberry CactusBranching, blue-stemmed cacti with edible, berry-like fruit.

N

  • Nandina3Heavenly Bamboo / Sacred BambooEvergreen shrub (Berberidaceae) with cane-like stems and red berries.
  • Nautilocalyx6Tropical foliage gesneriads with textured, often bronze leaves.
  • NematanthusGoldfish PlantEpiphytic gesneriads with glossy leaves and pouched flowers.
  • Neoalsomitra
  • Neoregelia11Blushing BromeliadRosette bromeliads whose inner leaves flush red at flowering.
  • Nepenthes5Tropical Pitcher Plant / Monkey CupsTropical pitcher plants that trap insects in fluid-filled traps.Care guide
  • Nephrolepis4Boston Fern / Sword FernFerns with arching, feathery fronds; popular houseplants.Care guide
  • Nephthytis2West African aroids (Araceae) with arrow-shaped leaves.
  • Nidularium2
  • Notocactus5Ball CactusGlobular South American cacti with showy flowers; now often placed in Parodia.

O

  • OleariaDaisy BushEvergreen shrubs (Asteraceae) with daisy flowers, mainly Australasian.
  • OoiaRare Bornean aroids (Araceae), close to Schismatoglottis.
  • Ophiopogon2Mondo GrassGrass-like evergreen perennials (Asparagaceae), some with near-black leaves.
  • Opuntia14Prickly PearCacti with flattened pads and barbed glochids; some with edible fruit.Care guide
  • Orbea3Starfish Flower / Carrion FlowerClumping stem succulents (Apocynaceae) with star-shaped, foul-smelling flowers.
  • Oreocereus2Old Man of the AndesColumnar Andean cacti clothed in white hair.
  • OrnithogalumStar of BethlehemBulbous plants (Asparagaceae) with starry white flowers.
  • OrontiumGolden ClubAquatic aroid (Araceae) with floating leaves and a yellow-tipped spadix.
  • OrostachysDunce CapHardy rosette succulents (Crassulaceae) with conical, spire-like flower spikes.
  • OsculariaShrubby mesemb succulents (Aizoaceae) with fleshy, blue-green leaves.
  • Oxalis9Wood Sorrel / False ShamrockClover-leaved plants (Oxalidaceae) whose leaflets fold at night.Care guide

P

R

  • RacineaEpiphytic bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), close to Tillandsia.
  • Radermachera4China DollEvergreen trees (Bignoniaceae) with glossy, finely divided leaves.Care guide
  • Rebutia2Crown CactusSmall clustering cacti with rings of colourful flowers at the base.
  • Remusatia2
  • Restrepia
  • Rhaphidophora22Climbing aroids (Araceae); includes the popular mini monstera.Care guide
  • Rhipsalidopsis
  • Rhipsalis8Mistletoe CactusTrailing epiphytic cacti with slender, often segmented stems.
  • RhodocomaSouth African restios (Restionaceae), reed-like evergreen perennials.
  • Rhodospatha6Climbing Neotropical aroids (Araceae) with large, glossy leaves.Care guide
  • Rhodotypos
  • Rhus3SumacShrubs and trees (Anacardiaceae) with divided leaves and autumn colour.
  • Rostrinucula
  • RuelliaMexican Petunia / Wild PetuniaAcanthaceae with funnel-shaped, often purple flowers.
  • RumohraLeatherleaf FernFern (Dryopteridaceae) with glossy, leathery fronds used as cut foliage.

S

  • Saintpaulia3Care guide
  • SambucusElder / ElderberryShrubs (Adoxaceae) with flat flower heads and dark berries.
  • Sansevieria31Snake Plant / Mother-in-law's TongueTough, upright succulents (now classed in Dracaena), near indestructible indoors.Care guide
  • Sarcococca7Sweet Box / Christmas BoxEvergreen shrubs (Buxaceae) with fragrant winter flowers.
  • Sauromatum
  • Saxifraga3Saxifrage / RockfoilAlpine and rockery perennials (Saxifragaceae), often rosette-forming.Care guide
  • ScadoxusBlood Lily / Paintbrush LilyBulbous plants (Amaryllidaceae) with spherical red flower heads.
  • Scaphochlamys2Low rhizomatous gingers (Zingiberaceae) from Southeast Asia.
  • Scaphyglottis
  • ScheffleraCare guide
  • Schismatoglottis19Tropical Asian aroids grown for patterned foliage.Care guide
  • Schlumbergera3Christmas CactusEpiphytic cacti with flattened segments and winter flowers.Care guide
  • SciadopitysJapanese Umbrella PineUnusual conifer (Sciadopityaceae) with whorled, needle-like shoots.
  • ScillaSquillSmall bulbs (Asparagaceae) with usually blue spring flowers.
  • Scindapsus30Satin Pothos / Silver VineClimbing aroids with satiny, often silver-marked leaves.Care guide
  • Sedum3StonecropSucculents (Crassulaceae) from mat-formers to upright border plants.
  • Selaginella15SpikemossMoss-like fern allies (Selaginellaceae) of humid, shady places.Care guide
  • Selenicereus2Queen of the NightClimbing epiphytic cacti with huge, nocturnal flowers.
  • Senecio16Huge daisy genus (Asteraceae) including many trailing succulents.
  • Sequoiadendron
  • Seyrigia
  • Sinningia
  • Smallanthus
  • Solanum2NightshadeLarge genus (Solanaceae) including the potato and ornamental climbers.
  • SoleiroliaMind-your-own-businessCreeping ground cover (Urticaceae) with tiny leaves forming dense mats.
  • Sonerila7Small tropical foliage plants (Melastomataceae) with spotted leaves.
  • SophoraKowhai / Pagoda TreeLegumes (Fabaceae), trees and shrubs with pea-like flowers.
  • Sorbaria
  • SparmanniaAfrican Hemp / House LimeFast-growing shrubs (Malvaceae) with large, soft leaves.
  • Spathiphyllum15Peace LilyTropical aroids with glossy leaves and white, hooded spathes.Care guide
  • Stachyurus
  • Stapelia2
  • Stelis2
  • StenocereusOrgan Pipe CactusTall columnar cacti with edible fruit known as pitaya.
  • Stenospermation6Climbing Neotropical aroids (Araceae) with narrow, glossy leaves.
  • Stephania2Tuberous twining vines (Menispermaceae) with peltate, umbrella-like leaves.Care guide
  • Stephanotis2Madagascar Jasmine / Wax FlowerTwining Apocynaceae with fragrant, waxy white flowers.
  • StetsoniaToothpick CactusLarge, tree-like Argentine cactus (Cactaceae).
  • SteudneraTropical Asian aroids (Araceae) with peltate leaves.
  • StipaFeather Grass / Needle GrassOrnamental grasses with airy, feathery flower heads.
  • Strelitzia3Bird of ParadiseBold perennials (Strelitziaceae) with crane-like orange flowers.Care guide
  • Strobilanthes2Persian ShieldAcanthaceae grown for iridescent purple foliage.
  • Stromanthe7Marantaceae with colourful, often pink-variegated leaves.
  • Stylochaeton2African geophytic aroids (Araceae) of seasonally dry habitats.
  • SulcorebutiaSmall clustering Bolivian cacti with colourful flowers.
  • SyngonanthusWetland herbs (Eriocaulaceae) with button-like flower heads.
  • Syngonium44Arrowhead Plant / GoosefootClimbing aroids with arrow-shaped, often variegated leaves.Care guide
  • Syzygium

T

  • Tacca2Bat FlowerTropical perennials (Dioscoreaceae) with dark, whiskered flowers.
  • TaccarumTuberous Neotropical aroids (Araceae) of rocky habitats.
  • TamarindusTamarindTropical tree (Fabaceae) bearing tangy, edible pods; the sole species.
  • Tamarix
  • TetranemaMexican FoxgloveSmall perennials (Plantaginaceae) with foxglove-like purple flowers.
  • TetrapanaxRice Paper PlantLarge-leaved, suckering shrub (Araliaceae) with felted foliage.
  • Theobroma
  • Thujopsis
  • Tibouchina2Glory Bush / Princess FlowerTropical shrubs (Melastomataceae) with velvety leaves and purple flowers.
  • Tillandsia36Air PlantBromeliads, many rootless epiphytes absorbing moisture through their leaves.Care guide
  • Trachelospermum3Star Jasmine / Confederate JasmineEvergreen twining climbers (Apocynaceae) with fragrant white flowers.
  • TrachycarpusWindmill Palm / Chusan PalmHardy fan palms with fibrous trunks.
  • Tradescantia13Spiderwort / Inch PlantSpreading Commelinaceae with often colourful, fleshy foliage.Care guide
  • Trevesia2
  • TrichocereusTorch CactusColumnar cacti with large, night-opening flowers; now often placed in Echinopsis.
  • Tricyrtis2Toad LilyShade perennials (Liliaceae) with orchid-like, spotted flowers.
  • Triolena2
  • Tulbaghia2Society GarlicBulbous perennials (Amaryllidaceae) with garlic-scented leaves and flowers.

U

V

  • Viburnum3
  • VitexChaste TreeShrubs and trees (Lamiaceae) with aromatic leaves and blue flower spikes.
  • Vriesea32Flaming SwordEpiphytic bromeliads with often banded leaves and sword-like flower bracts.Care guide

W

  • WallisiaEpiphytic bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) formerly included within Tillandsia.Care guide
  • WashingtoniaDesert Fan PalmTall fan palms with skirts of persistent dead leaves.
  • Wisteria8WisteriaWoody climbing legumes with cascading, scented flower racemes.

X

  • Xanthosoma4Elephant Ear / TanniaTuberous aroids with arrow-shaped leaves; some grown as food.Care guide
  • XerosicyosSilver Dollar VineClimbing succulents (Cucurbitaceae) with round, coin-like leaves.Care guide

Y

  • Yucca3YuccaRosette-forming Asparagaceae with stiff, sword-shaped leaves.Care guide

Z

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Plant genus questions, answered

What is a plant genus?

A genus is a group of closely related plant species that share a common ancestor and clear physical traits. It sits one level above species in botanical naming: in Monstera deliciosa, Monstera is the genus and deliciosa is the species. Browsing by genus is a quick way to find related plants that usually want similar care.

What is the difference between a genus and a species?

The genus is the broader group; the species is one specific plant within it. Anthurium is a genus of hundreds of species, while Anthurium clarinervium is a single species. Plants in the same genus often, though not always, share similar growing needs.

How many plant genera does GrowTropicals grow?

We currently grow 495 genera, from everyday favourites to rare collector plants. This page updates as our range changes, so it always reflects what we actually stock.

How do I use this glossary?

Search by name, or jump to a letter with the A to Z bar. Tap any genus to open its collection, or go straight to the plant when we grow only one. Where a care guide exists, a link sits next to the name. The filters let you show only genera with a collection or a care guide.

Which houseplant genera are easiest for beginners?

Forgiving genera include Sansevieria (snake plants), Epipremnum (pothos) and Zamioculcas (the ZZ plant). All cope with lower light and the odd missed watering while you find your feet.

Do you sell rare and unusual plant genera?

Yes. Alongside the classics we specialise in rare tropical plants, including collector genera such as Anthurium, Philodendron and Marcgravia. Everything is nursery grown in the UK.