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.

384 genera

A

  • AbutilonFlowering Maple / Indian MallowShrubby mallows (Malvaceae) with lantern-like, pendent bell flowers.
  • Acacia3Wattle / MimosaLegumes (Fabaceae), often thorny, with feathery foliage or flattened phyllodes.
  • AcalyphaCopperleaf / Chenille PlantEuphorbia-family shrubs grown for coloured foliage or fuzzy catkin flowers.
  • 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.
  • Adelonema4Tropical American aroids (Araceae), foliage plants segregated from Homalomena.
  • Adenium5Desert RoseSucculent shrubs (Apocynaceae) with swollen caudex and showy flowers.
  • Adiantum2Maidenhair FernDelicate ferns with fine black stems and fan-shaped pinnae.
  • Adromischus7Small 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
  • Agapanthus2African Lily / Lily of the NileClump-forming perennials with umbels of blue or white flowers.
  • Agave5Century PlantRosette succulents (Asparagaceae) with fibrous, spine-tipped leaves.Care guide
  • AglaomorphaEpiphytic ferns (Polypodiaceae) with basket-forming, deeply lobed fronds.
  • Aglaonema79Chinese 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.
  • Alocasia165Elephant EarsTropical aroids grown for bold, often arrow-shaped or veined leaves.Care guide
  • Aloe11AloeRosette succulents (Asphodelaceae) with fleshy, often toothed leaves.Care guide
  • AloinopsisSmall clump-forming mesemb succulents (Aizoaceae) with tuberous roots.
  • Alpinia4Shell 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.
  • AnaphyllumMarsh-dwelling aroids (Araceae) from India with twisted spathes.
  • AnathallisMiniature pleurothallid orchids (Orchidaceae) from the American tropics.
  • AngiozanthosKangaroo PawAustralian perennials (Haemodoraceae) with fuzzy, paw-shaped flowers.
  • AnisocampiumDeciduous ferns (Athyriaceae) with finely divided, arching fronds.
  • Anoectochillus24Jewel OrchidTerrestrial jewel orchids grown for velvety, veined leaves.
  • Anthurium441Flamingo 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.
  • ApobalisSoutheast Asian aroids (Araceae) grown for patterned, often silver-marked foliage.
  • ArachniodesEast Indian Holly FernFerns (Dryopteridaceae) with glossy, leathery, finely divided fronds.
  • Araucaria2Monkey 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.
  • ArthrostemmaTropical American herbs (Melastomataceae) with pink flowers.
  • AsarumWild 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.
  • AsteliaEvergreen 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.
  • Avonia2Tiny succulents (Anacampserotaceae) with papery scale-covered stems.

B

  • Baccharis2Groundsel BushShrubs (Asteraceae) from the Americas, dioecious with wind-borne, tufted seeds.
  • BarringtoniaFish Poison TreeTropical trees (Lecythidaceae) with showy, night-opening flowers.
  • Begonia185Huge genus of foliage and flowering plants for shade and humidity.Care guide
  • BertoloniaSmall tropical foliage plants (Melastomataceae) with iridescent leaves.
  • Billbergia11Queen's TearsTubular-rosette bromeliads with arching, colourful flower spikes.
  • Biophytum3Small palm-like herbs (Oxalidaceae) with sensitive, folding leaflets.Care guide
  • Blechnum3Hard FernFerns (Blechnaceae) with leathery fronds and reddish new growth.
  • BophaneSouth African bulbs (Amaryllidaceae) with a fan of wavy leaves.
  • BrachychitonBottle Tree / KurrajongAustralian trees (Malvaceae) with swollen trunks and bell-shaped flowers.
  • BrachyglottisEvergreen shrubs (Asteraceae) from New Zealand with grey foliage and daisy flowers.
  • Brunnera2Siberian 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
  • Callisia2Basket Plant / Turtle VineTrailing spiderwort relatives (Commelinaceae) with fleshy stems.
  • CallistemonBottlebrushAustralian 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.
  • Catopsis2Epiphytic bromeliads with soft, pale, funnel-shaped rosettes.
  • CephalotaxusPlum YewConiferous shrubs (Cephalotaxaceae) with yew-like foliage and fleshy seeds.
  • CeratostemmaAndean epiphytic shrubs (Ericaceae) with tubular flowers.
  • 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
  • Chamaedorea4Parlour 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.
  • Cissus5Grape IvyClimbing or succulent vines (Vitaceae) that cling by tendrils.Care guide
  • CitrusCitrusEvergreen 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.
  • ClianthusGlory Pea / Parrot's BeakNew Zealand legumes with claw-shaped red flowers.
  • CodantheTrailing epiphytic gesneriads with small flowers and berries.
  • Codiaeum4CrotonEuphorbia-family shrubs grown for glossy, brightly coloured foliage.
  • CodonantheTrailing epiphytic gesneriads, often associated with ant nests.
  • Coleus3Coleus / Painted NettleFoliage plants (Lamiaceae) with vividly coloured, patterned leaves.
  • ColobgyniumBornean aroids (Araceae) in tribe Schismatoglottideae.
  • 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.
  • CordylineCabbage Palm / Ti PlantWoody-stemmed foliage plants (Asparagaceae) with strappy, coloured leaves.
  • Corokia
  • 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.
  • Crassula13Jade 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.
  • Ctenanthe4Never Never PlantMarantaceae grown for boldly patterned, upright foliage.
  • CulcasiaClimbing or terrestrial African aroids (Araceae).
  • Cumulopuntia2Cushion-forming Andean cacti (Cactaceae) of high altitudes.
  • Curcuma2Turmeric / 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.
  • Cyrtomium2Holly FernFerns (Dryopteridaceae) with glossy, holly-like leaflets.
  • Cyrtosperma9Large swamp aroids (Araceae) with tall, arrow-shaped leaves.

D

  • DavaliaRabbit's Foot Fern / Hare's Foot FernEpiphytic ferns with furry surface rhizomes.
  • DelospermaIce PlantMat-forming mesemb succulents (Aizoaceae) with daisy-like flowers.
  • DendrochillumChain OrchidEpiphytic orchids with cascading chains of tiny, fragrant flowers.
  • Dianella2Flax LilyClump-forming perennials (Asphodelaceae) with strappy leaves and blue berries.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Dryopteris6Wood Fern / Male FernRobust ferns (Dryopteridaceae) with divided fronds in shuttlecock crowns.
  • DypsisTropical palms (Arecaceae); includes the popular areca palm.

E

  • Echeveria7Rosette 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.
  • Elatostemma2Shade-loving foliage herbs (Urticaceae) related to Pilea.
  • Elegia2South African restios (Restionaceae), rush-like evergreen perennials.
  • EmblemanthaVery rare shrub (Primulaceae) endemic to Sumatra.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Espostoopsis2Woolly, columnar cacti (Cactaceae) native to Brazil.
  • EucalyptusGum TreeAromatic Australian trees (Myrtaceae) with distinctive juvenile foliage.
  • Eucomis3Pineapple LilyBulbous perennials (Asparagaceae) with pineapple-like flower spikes.
  • Euphorbia54SpurgeVast genus (Euphorbiaceae) with milky latex, from succulents to poinsettias.Care guide

F

  • Fargesia4Umbrella BambooHardy, clump-forming bamboos (Poaceae) from the mountains of China.
  • FasciculariaHardy terrestrial bromeliads with spiny rosettes that flush red.
  • Fatsia4Japanese AraliaEvergreen shrubs (Araliaceae) with large, glossy, palmate leaves.
  • FaucariaTiger JawsClumping mesemb succulents (Aizoaceae) with toothed, jaw-like leaves.
  • Ferocactus3Barrel Cactus / Fishhook CactusLarge barrel cacti with stout, often hooked spines.
  • Festuca2FescueTufted grasses (Poaceae); ornamental kinds have blue foliage.
  • Ficus26FigFigs (Moraceae), from rubber plants to weeping figs and edible figs.Care guide
  • Fittonia2Nerve Plant / Mosaic PlantLow tropical Acanthaceae with vividly veined leaves.Care guide
  • Fockea2Caudiciform succulents (Apocynaceae) with swollen underground stems.
  • FrangulaAlder BuckthornDeciduous shrubs (Rhamnaceae) with berries ripening red then black.
  • 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.
  • GeophiliaCreeping tropical herbs (Rubiaceae) with rounded leaves.
  • GeraniumCranesbillHardy perennials (Geraniaceae) with beaked seed capsules.
  • GinkgoMaidenhair TreeAncient deciduous gymnosperm with fan-shaped leaves; sole living species.
  • GloriosaGlory Lily / Flame LilyClimbing lilies (Colchicaceae) with reflexed, flame-coloured flowers.
  • Goodyera5Rattlesnake PlantainTerrestrial jewel orchids with veined, patterned leaves.
  • GriseliniaNew Zealand BroadleafEvergreen shrubs (Griseliniaceae) with glossy, leathery leaves.
  • GuzmaniaScarlet StarEpiphytic bromeliads with rosettes and bright flower bracts.
  • Gymnocalcyium8Chin CactusSmall globular cacti with chin-like bumps below the areoles.
  • Gynura3Purple 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.
  • Hapaline4Small tropical aroids (Araceae) from Asia.
  • Hardenbergia2Coral PeaAustralian twining legumes with sprays of purple pea flowers.
  • Haworthia4Zebra Plant / Pearl PlantSmall South African rosette succulents (Asphodelaceae).
  • Hedera2IvyEvergreen climbing plants (Araliaceae) with lobed leaves.
  • Hemigraphis3Purple Waffle PlantLow tropical Acanthaceae with metallic purple, puckered leaves.Care guide
  • HemionitisHeart FernSmall ferns (Pteridaceae) with heart-shaped fronds.
  • Hibiscus6Hibiscus / Rose MallowMallow-family shrubs and perennials with large, showy flowers.
  • Hildewintera2Golden Rat TailCacti with trailing spiny stems and orange flowers; now placed in Cleistocactus.
  • Homalomena25Tropical aroids grown for heart-shaped, often aromatic foliage.
  • Hosta28Plantain LilyShade perennials (Asparagaceae) grown for bold, often variegated leaves.
  • HoweaKentia PalmElegant palms from Lord Howe Island, popular indoors.
  • 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.
  • Hydrangea3HydrangeaShrubs 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.
  • Iresine5BloodleafFoliage plants (Amaranthaceae) with vivid red or yellow-veined leaves.Care guide
  • IsolatocereusTall columnar cactus (Cactaceae) native to Mexico.

J

  • Jasminum
  • Jatropha2Euphorbia-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.
  • Kaempferia3Peacock 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
  • 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.
  • Libertia2Evergreen perennials (Iridaceae) with white, iris-like flowers.
  • LicualaRuffled Fan PalmTropical palms with rounded, pleated, fan-shaped leaves.
  • LiriopeLilyturfGrass-like evergreen perennials (Asparagaceae) with spikes of purple flowers.
  • Lithops5Living 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.
  • LophophoraPeyoteSpineless, button-like cacti (Cactaceae) containing alkaloids.
  • Loropetalum2Chinese Fringe FlowerEvergreen shrubs (Hamamelidaceae) with fringed flowers and dark foliage.
  • Ludisia10Jewel OrchidTerrestrial orchid grown for dark, red-veined, velvety leaves.

M

  • Macodes3Jewel OrchidTerrestrial orchids with sparkling, gold-veined leaves.
  • Magnolia2MagnoliaTrees and shrubs (Magnoliaceae) with large, ancient-type flowers.
  • Mahonia6Oregon 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
  • Marcgravia22Shingle PlantRoot-climbing tropical vines (Marcgraviaceae) that press flat against surfaces.Care guide
  • Masdevallia2Kite OrchidCool-growing orchids with triangular, tailed flowers.
  • MatteucciaOstrich FernDeciduous ferns with upright, shuttlecock-shaped fronds.
  • Matucana3Globular Peruvian cacti (Cactaceae) with tubular flowers.
  • Microgramma2Small, creeping epiphytic ferns (Polypodiaceae) of the tropics.
  • Microsorum4Epiphytic ferns (Polypodiaceae); includes crocodile and Java ferns.Care guide
  • Mimosa2Sensitive PlantLegumes; the sensitive plant folds its leaves when touched.
  • Miscanthus3Silver GrassTall ornamental grasses with feathery autumn plumes.
  • MonadendiumSucculent Euphorbia relatives (Euphorbiaceae) from East Africa.
  • MonolenaTuberous tropical foliage plants (Melastomataceae).
  • Monstera96Swiss Cheese PlantClimbing aroids with large, often perforated leaves.Care guide
  • MonvilleaSlender, columnar or sprawling cacti (Cactaceae).
  • Muehlenbeckia2Wire Vine / Maidenhair VineWiry, trailing plants (Polygonaceae) with tiny, round leaves.
  • 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.
  • MyrtillocactusBlue Candle / Bilberry CactusBranching, blue-stemmed cacti with edible, berry-like fruit.

N

  • Nandina2Heavenly Bamboo / Sacred BambooEvergreen shrub (Berberidaceae) with cane-like stems and red berries.
  • Nautilocalyx4Tropical foliage gesneriads with textured, often bronze leaves.
  • NematanthusGoldfish PlantEpiphytic gesneriads with glossy leaves and pouched flowers.
  • NeoregeliaBlushing 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
  • Nephrolepis3Boston Fern / Sword FernFerns with arching, feathery fronds; popular houseplants.Care guide
  • Nephthytis2West African aroids (Araceae) with arrow-shaped leaves.
  • 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
  • Orbea2Starfish 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

  • Pachira2Money Tree / Malabar ChestnutTropical trees (Malvaceae) often sold with braided trunks.Care guide
  • PachycereusMassive columnar cacti (Cactaceae) from Mexico.
  • PachypodiumMadagascar PalmCaudiciform succulents (Apocynaceae) with spiny, swollen stems.
  • PachysandraJapanese SpurgeEvergreen ground-cover perennials (Buxaceae) for shade.
  • Paphiopedilum6Slipper Orchid / Venus SlipperTerrestrial orchids with pouched, slipper-shaped lips.
  • Passiflora3Passion FlowerClimbers (Passifloraceae) with intricate flowers; some bear passion fruit.
  • PaulowniaFoxglove Tree / Princess TreeFast-growing trees (Paulowniaceae) with large leaves and foxglove-like flowers.
  • Pellonia3Creeping foliage herbs (Urticaceae) with patterned leaves.
  • Pennisetum3Fountain GrassOrnamental grasses with soft, bristly flower spikes.
  • Pentas3Egyptian Star ClusterTropical Rubiaceae with domed clusters of star-shaped flowers, loved by pollinators.
  • Peperomia29Radiator PlantCompact foliage plants (Piperaceae) with fleshy, varied leaves.Care guide
  • Philodendron356Large genus of tropical aroids, climbing or self-heading foliage plants.Care guide
  • PhilothecaWax FlowerAustralian shrubs (Rutaceae) with starry, waxy flowers.
  • PhlebodiumBlue Star FernEpiphytic fern (Polypodiaceae) with bluish, lobed fronds.
  • Phygelius4Cape FuchsiaSemi-woody perennials (Scrophulariaceae) with tubular, pendent flowers.
  • Phyllanthus2Diverse Phyllanthaceae; some bear flowers on leaf-like flattened stems.
  • Pilea12Chinese Money Plant / Aluminium PlantFoliage plants (Urticaceae) with varied, often succulent leaves.Care guide
  • Pilosocereus4Blue Torch CactusColumnar cacti with blue stems and woolly flowering zones.
  • Pinguicula4ButterwortCarnivorous plants with sticky, insect-trapping leaves.Care guide
  • Piper6PepperClimbers and shrubs (Piperaceae); includes black pepper and ornamental kinds.Care guide
  • Platycerium10Staghorn Fern / Elkhorn FernEpiphytic ferns with antler-shaped fronds.
  • Plectranthus5Swedish Ivy / SpurflowerFoliage and flowering Lamiaceae, some trailing or aromatic.
  • Polyscias8Aralia / Ming AraliaShrubby Araliaceae with divided, often lacy foliage.
  • Polystichum4Shield Fern / Holly FernEvergreen ferns (Dryopteridaceae) with leathery, divided fronds.
  • PrimulinaChinese gesneriads grown for patterned foliage and dainty flowers.
  • ProstantheraMint BushAromatic Australian shrubs (Lamiaceae) with mint-scented foliage and massed flowers.
  • PseudohydrosmeRare West African tuberous aroids (Araceae).
  • Pteris3Brake Fern / Table FernFerns (Pteridaceae), many with variegated, ribbon-like fronds.
  • PunicaPomegranateDeciduous shrubs (Lythraceae) bearing pomegranate fruit.
  • PuyaTerrestrial Andean bromeliads with spiny leaves and tall flower spikes.
  • Pyrrosia2Felt Fern / Tongue FernEpiphytic ferns with simple, felted or leathery fronds.

R

  • RacineaEpiphytic bromeliads (Bromeliaceae), close to Tillandsia.
  • Radermachera2China DollEvergreen trees (Bignoniaceae) with glossy, finely divided leaves.Care guide
  • Rebutia2Crown CactusSmall clustering cacti with rings of colourful flowers at the base.
  • Rhaphidophora12Climbing aroids (Araceae); includes the popular mini monstera.Care guide
  • Rhipsalis2Mistletoe CactusTrailing epiphytic cacti with slender, often segmented stems.
  • RhodocomaSouth African restios (Restionaceae), reed-like evergreen perennials.
  • Rhodospatha6Climbing Neotropical aroids (Araceae) with large, glossy leaves.
  • Rhus2SumacShrubs and trees (Anacardiaceae) with divided leaves and autumn colour.
  • RuelliaMexican Petunia / Wild PetuniaAcanthaceae with funnel-shaped, often purple flowers.
  • RumohraLeatherleaf FernFern (Dryopteridaceae) with glossy, leathery fronds used as cut foliage.

S

  • SambucusElder / ElderberryShrubs (Adoxaceae) with flat flower heads and dark berries.
  • Sansevieria27Snake 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.
  • Saxifraga3Saxifrage / RockfoilAlpine and rockery perennials (Saxifragaceae), often rosette-forming.Care guide
  • ScadoxusBlood Lily / Paintbrush LilyBulbous plants (Amaryllidaceae) with spherical red flower heads.
  • ScaphochlamysLow rhizomatous gingers (Zingiberaceae) from Southeast Asia.
  • Schismatoglottis13Tropical 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.
  • Scindapsus22Satin Pothos / Silver VineClimbing aroids with satiny, often silver-marked leaves.Care guide
  • Sedum3StonecropSucculents (Crassulaceae) from mat-formers to upright border plants.
  • Selaginella13SpikemossMoss-like fern allies (Selaginellaceae) of humid, shady places.
  • Selenicereus2Queen of the NightClimbing epiphytic cacti with huge, nocturnal flowers.
  • Senecio14Huge daisy genus (Asteraceae) including many trailing succulents.
  • Solanum2NightshadeLarge genus (Solanaceae) including the potato and ornamental climbers.
  • SoleiroliaMind-your-own-businessCreeping ground cover (Urticaceae) with tiny leaves forming dense mats.
  • SonerilaSmall 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.
  • Spathiphyllum12Peace LilyTropical aroids with glossy leaves and white, hooded spathes.Care guide
  • StenocereusOrgan Pipe CactusTall columnar cacti with edible fruit known as pitaya.
  • Stenospermation6Climbing Neotropical aroids (Araceae) with narrow, glossy leaves.
  • Stephania3Tuberous 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.
  • StrelitziaBird 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.
  • Syngonium18Arrowhead Plant / GoosefootClimbing aroids with arrow-shaped, often variegated leaves.Care guide

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.
  • TetranemaMexican FoxgloveSmall perennials (Plantaginaceae) with foxglove-like purple flowers.
  • TetrapanaxRice Paper PlantLarge-leaved, suckering shrub (Araliaceae) with felted foliage.
  • TibouchinaGlory Bush / Princess FlowerTropical shrubs (Melastomataceae) with velvety leaves and purple flowers.
  • Tillandsia20Air 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.
  • Tradescantia12Spiderwort / Inch PlantSpreading Commelinaceae with often colourful, fleshy foliage.Care guide
  • Travesia2Tropical trees and shrubs (Araliaceae) with large, snowflake-shaped leaves.
  • TrichocereusTorch CactusColumnar cacti with large, night-opening flowers; now often placed in Echinopsis.
  • Tricyrtis2Toad LilyShade perennials (Liliaceae) with orchid-like, spotted flowers.
  • Tulbaghia2Society GarlicBulbous perennials (Amaryllidaceae) with garlic-scented leaves and flowers.

U

V

  • Viburnum
  • VitexChaste TreeShrubs and trees (Lamiaceae) with aromatic leaves and blue flower spikes.
  • Vriesea26Flaming 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.
  • Wisteria4WisteriaWoody climbing legumes with cascading, scented flower racemes.

X

  • Xanthosoma3Elephant 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

  • Zamioculcas3ZZ PlantTough aroid with glossy, pinnate leaves and water-storing rhizomes; the sole species.Care guide
  • Zantedeschia2Calla Lily / Arum LilyTuberous aroids with funnel-shaped, colourful spathes.
  • Zingiber2GingerRhizomatous gingers (Zingiberaceae); includes culinary ginger.Care guide

No genera match your search.

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 384 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.