Grassland & Savannah Habitat

What is a sunflower? The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Native to North America, it is globally famous for its massive yellow flower heads that track the sun across the sky during their immature stage. Sunflowers are widely cultivated for their edible seeds, high-quality cooking oil, and ornamental value. They are also known for their phytoremediation capabilities, meaning they can extract toxic heavy metals and radiation from contaminated soils.

What is a marigold? The French marigold (Tagetes patula) is a compact herbaceous annual plant in the Asteraceae family. Despite its common name, it is native to the highlands of Mexico. Highly popular in companion planting, it releases chemical compounds from its roots that deter harmful nematodes. It has rich cultural ties to the Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos).

What is bougainvillea? Bougainvillea spectabilis is a thorny, woody climbing vine belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family. Native to Brazil, it is globally famous for its spectacular cascades of vibrant, paper-like colors. The actual flowers are tiny and white; the famous colorful 'petals' are actually modified leaves called bracts that surround the flowers to attract pollinators.

What is a morning glory? The common morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) is an annual herbaceous climbing vine in the Convolvulaceae family. Famous for its funnel-shaped flowers that open in the early morning and close by afternoon, it is a fast-growing climber. Native to Mexico, its seeds contain ergoline alkaloids and have historical use in Aztec spiritual rituals.

What is the Bird of Paradise? Strelitzia reginae, the bird of paradise or crane flower, is a large evergreen perennial plant in the Strelitziaceae family. Native to South Africa, it is famous for its unique, exotic flowers that look like a tropical bird in flight. It is highly popular in warm-climate landscaping and is the official flower of the city of Los Angeles.

What is a snake plant? The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata, or Dracaena trifasciata), commonly known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a succulent perennial in the Asparagaceae family. Native to tropical West Africa, it is one of the most resilient houseplants in the world. It is famous for its stiff, vertical, sword-shaped leaves and its ability to perform CAM photosynthesis, releasing oxygen at night.

What is the Albany Pitcher Plant? Cephalotus follicularis, the Albany or Australian pitcher plant, is a small carnivorous plant belonging to its own monotypic family, Cephalotaceae. Is it related to Nepenthes? No, it is a classic example of convergent evolution: it developed pitcher-like leaves similar to Asian Nepenthes but is a closer relative of roses and apples. It grows in a restricted coastal strip in Western Australia.

An annual herbaceous plant famous for its large, vibrant red flowers with dark centers.

A tropical shrub featuring huge, bell-shaped blossoms of white, pink, or yellow.

A highly aromatic sage featuring tall spikes of magenta-pink flowers rising from woolly foliage.

An annual clover native to Europe, featuring elongated, deep-crimson flower spikes.

A versatile, needle-leafed shrub that spreads across rocky savannahs and pastures.

A woody, succulent shrub with small green leaves and reddish stems.