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Cactaceae

The cactus family consists of plants found only in the Western Hemisphere, with the exception of a few Rhipsalis species of epiphytic cacti, which probably were deposited by migrating birds from the Caribbean to West Africa. The cactus family is quite diverse, but mainly adapted to dry conditions and, often, intense sunlight. Most cactus species are found in arid or semi-arid habitats, with a significant number epiphytic in more moist environments. The flowers vary from generalized, open types with many flower parts to zygomorphic or tubular forms adapted to moth or hummingbird pollination. The main part of the plant consists of modified stems, some convergent with leaves as cladophylls. Cacti do have true leaves, however, but these are often shed as the stem develops. The spines are the remains of the leaf midrib.

Typical cereoid cactus from Peru shows areoles and spines. Blooms in summer, white and pink flowers.

Golden spined barrel cactus from Mexico. Low growing and filtered light loving. Stem shows typical woody spines which serve as a ladder for rodents gathering seeds.

Easter blooming cactus, small in stature from South America.

Epiphytic cactus from South America with cladophyll stems. Blooms in summer with large white and pink pendulous flowers.

Interesting cactus, shows origin of spines and primitive cactus condition. Shrubby vine from the West Indies. Good for evolution exhibit.

Epiphytic cactus with dentate cladophylls.

Epiphytic cactus from Brazil. Cladophyll stems and zygomorphic pink flowers in winter. Pollinated by hummingbirds.

Clusiaceae
The rose apple family consists of semi-succulent trees and shrubs, tropical and subtropical. The flowers are often waxy and substantial. Many forms are epiphytic on tall rainforest trees.

Semi-succulent epiphytic shrub or tree from South America. Interesting aerial roots which may extend seventy-five or one hundred feet to forest floor from middle canopy.

Crassulaceae

Family of New World and Old World leaf succulent plants adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. Many species in South Africa.

Good glaucous succulent. Excellent epidermal leaf peels. Plant may be propagated from leaves.

Hanging, pendulous succulent with stems covered with cylindrical pale green grayish leaves. Plant may be propagated from leaves.

Droseraceae

Small family of carnivorous plants. Most species live in low nitrogen availability soils and are semi-aquatic. Many species live in high acid environments. Not difficult to grow if given constant water, distilled water and little or no fertilizer. Some iron supplementation helpful. Not necessary to feed the plants insects.

Famous endangered carnivorous plant from North Carolina and South Carolina. If hairs on inside leaf are touched twice, traps will close. White flowers in summer.

South African sundew with long, straplike leaves. Pink flowers appear in winter.

Euphorbiaceae

Another family with many members succulents convergent with cacti. Primarily Old World, but with significant species in tropical and subtropical New World, some trees. Most members secret milky sap. The inflorescences are complicated cyathia with reduced male and female flowers and associated glands, often inconspicuous. Often the accompanying modified leaves (bracts) are brightly colored and serve to attract pollinators. Euphorbia pulcherrima , the poinsettia is a member of this family.

Tropical shrub from New Guinea with highly variable leaf shape and color. Flowers are usually small and star-like. This plant is grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions.

Shrub-like plant with leaves if well watered. Cuttings may be easily rooted.

Variegated succulent with cladophyll "leaves" from Africa

Fabaceae (Leguminoseae)

The pea family is one of the largest flowering plant families. It is especially large in the western United States, but also in tropical and subtropical areas. Economically important, it includes peas (Pisum sp.) and beans (Phaseolus sp.) Horticultural beans were primarily developed in the New World. The family's main characteristic is a fruit pod or loment, which is a pod that divides into sections upon maturity.

Interesting Bolivian mimusoid legume. Spectacular red powderpuff blooms in winter. Pinnately compound leaves.

Geraniaceae

The geranium family is the source of many fragrance oils and flavors. They are important components or forest flora. Many species are adapted to deserts in South Africa.

Reliable red bloomer. Good glandular pubescence and flat, wide stipules. Good for various labs.

Gesneriaceae

Important family of often semi-succulent tropical epiphytes. Most often with pubescent leaves and tubular, brightly colored flowers. Many species hummingbird pollinated. Some, like African violet, are ground dwellers. Also, some trees and shrubs.

Familiar houseplant with pubescent leaves and purple flowers. May be propagated from leaves.

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