North American Nature Vanguard
Amwoga Khalwale Botanical Classification The Boston fern, scientifically known as Nephrolepis exaltata, belongs to the family Nephrolepidaceae (sometimes placed in the broader Polypodiaceae family). It is a perennial, evergreen fern classified under the division Pteridophyta, class Polypodiopsida, and order Polypodiales. The genus Nephrolepis includes about 30 species of ferns, with N. exaltata being one of the most … Read more
Croton plants, scientifically classified under the genus Codiaeum in the Euphorbiaceae family, are tropical evergreens closely related to plants like poinsettias and castor beans. The name “Croton” derives from the Greek word “kroton,” meaning tick, possibly referring to the shape of their seeds. Commonly known as garden croton, variegated laurel, or rushfoil, these names reflect … Read more
Prayer plants, belonging to the Marantaceae family, are tropical perennials primarily from the Maranta genus, though closely related genera like Goeppertia, Ctenanthe, and Stromanthe are often included under the common name. The name “prayer plant” derives from their nyctinastic movement, where leaves fold up at night as if in prayer. Other common names include herringbone … Read more
Alocasia belongs to the Araceae family, which includes other aroids like philodendrons and anthuriums. The genus, named from the Greek “a” (without) and “Colocasia” (a related genus), comprises around 97 species of tropical perennials. Commonly known as elephant ears, African mask plants, or kris plants, these names reflect their large, heart-shaped leaves or striking, mask-like … Read more
Dracaena belongs to the Asparagaceae family, a diverse group that includes asparagus and agaves. The genus, named from the Greek word “drakaina” meaning female dragon, likely refers to the red sap of some species resembling dragon’s blood. Comprising around 120 species, Dracaena plants are known as dragon trees, corn plants, or ribbon plants, names that … Read more
String of Pearls belongs to the Asteraceae family, specifically within the Curio genus, which was previously classified under Senecio. This succulent, evergreen perennial is known for its unique, trailing growth and distinctive foliage. Other common names include string of beads, rosary vine, and pearl plant, reflecting the spherical, bead-like leaves that dangle on slender stems, … Read more
Schefflera, commonly known as umbrella plants, belongs to the Araliaceae family, which includes other ornamentals like ivy and ginseng. The genus, named after 18th-century German botanist Johann Peter Ernst von Scheffler, comprises over 600 species of evergreen shrubs, trees, and vines. Other common names include Australian ivy palm and starleaf, reflecting the star-like arrangement of … Read more
As one of the most easily recognized tropical plants, Bird of Paradise gets its common name from its unusual flowers, which resemble the beak and head plumage of a bird in flight. Native to South Africa, where it also is called the crane flower, Bird of Paradise type plants are popular in conservatory plantings, as … Read more
Fittonia, commonly known as the nerve plant or mosaic plant, belongs to the Acanthaceae family, which includes other ornamental plants like justicia and hypoestes. The genus, named after 19th-century botanists Elizabeth and Sarah Fitton, comprises a few species, with Fittonia albivenis being the most cultivated. Other common names include snakeskin plant and painted net plant, … Read more
Monstera belongs to the Araceae family, a group of tropical plants that includes philodendrons and peace lilies. With approximately 59–70 species, Monstera is known for its distinctive foliage and climbing or trailing growth habits. Common names include Swiss cheese plant, split-leaf plant, and hurricane plant, reflecting the unique perforations or splits in their leaves that … Read more