Exotic Flowers : By definition, exotic plants [1] are plants that have been introduced to a region or ecosystem where they are foreign or non-native.
Often, these species of plants become invasive and dominate over the place. This tendency is thought to cause imminent damage to their neighboring plants and animals
Did you know that many known cultivated ornamental flowering plants are exotic?
Exotic Flowers
1. Brazilian Pepper (Schinus Terebinthifolius) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Sapindales Anacardiaceae Schinus Schinus terebinthifolius
[2] is a flowering shrub that can reach up to 30 feet tall. These flowering plants
This plant, endemic to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, was introduced to Florida in the mid-1800s as an ornamental plant. However, due to its ability to grow quickly, this plant can easily dominate[3] an area. It can compete with nearby plants and obtain light, soil minerals, and moisture. It can also release chemicals that can stop the growth of other plants; hence, the native plants cannot survive. Its flowers, which bloom in September and October, are white [4] and become important sources of nectar for insects like bees. Suggested Reading:
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2. Melaleuca (Melaleuca Quinquenervia) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Myrtales Myrtaceae Melaleuca Melaleuca quinquenervia
Originally, this plant was imported from Australia in the early 1900s to help dry the Everdes. This is because of the Melaleuca’s ability to easily dry up an area by using up to five times more water than the sawgrass. This plant, also known as the “Paper-bark “, is characterized by having barks that can be peeled into very thin sheets.
3. Latherleaf (Colubrina Asiatica) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Rosales Rhamnaceae Colubrina Colubrina asiatica
[5] Colubrina asiatica can easily grow quickly in coastal hardwood forests. It has greenish exotic flowers that occur in alternate inflorescence.
This plant can destroy any habitat for plant and animal life by interfering with water and nutrient cycles. As a vine, it can also grow massively and destroy any ground plants by blocking the light source from the sun. In the 1850s, this Asian plant was introduced to Jamaica and gradually dominated Florida after that.
4. Australian Pine (Casuarina Equisetifolia) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Fagales Casuarinaceae Casuarina Casuarina equisetifolia
Iron Wood ” , the Australian pine is a type of tree that was imported from Australia for its timber and shade. However, due to the ability of these trees to flower all year round, they can spread quickly and easily dominate an area.
This tree can also easily grow thick foliage, making the plants below it devoid of sunlight. Its exotic flowers are characterized by apetalous flowers arranged in catkin inflorescence. During storms, they also facilitate erosion, making it hard for sea turtles
5. Dutch Amaryllis (Hippeastrum Reginae) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Asparagales Amaryllidaceae Hippeastrum Hippeastrum reginae
Originally, the genus name Hippeastrum was given by Herbert and was meant to denote a “Knight’s star lily ” but apparently, he was also uncertain about that description. The exotic flowers of this plant are characterized by having a bulb-like appearance and come in colors like red, pink, orange, and white.
6. Seaside Mahoe (thespesia Populnea) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Malvales Malvaceae Thepesia Thespesia populnea
Originally, this plant was imported as a drought-tolerant and salt-resistant plant that can be used as an ornamental plant for gardening. This plant can grow massively and easily crowd out other plants, inhibiting its neighboring plants’ growth. This plant, also referred to as the Portia tree[6] , is believed to have originated in India. Suggested Reading:
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7. Anthurium (Anthurium Sp.) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Alismatales Araceae Anthurium Anthurium sp.
Most of the time, Anthuriums grow as epiphytes of other plant species. They grow upon other plants and obtain the necessary nutrients and moisture from them to live. This plant is also called as the Flamingo flower or Laceleaf .
8. Pale Alyssum (Alyssum Alyssoides) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Brassicales Brassicaceae Alyssum Alyssum alyssoides
[7] , a plant that is endemic to both Asia and Europe and has been introduced to North America.
The Pale Alyssum is a member of the plant Family Brassicaceae (Mustard Family) and is known by the common name “Pale Madwort “. This plant is characterized by having yellow-white stellate exotic flowers and can grow up to 40 centimeters tall.
9. Amaranth (Amaranthus Sp.) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Caryophyllales Amaranthaceae Amaranthus Amaranthus sp.
[8] Amaranthus retroflexus is an herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall.
It is easily recognizable due to its magenta-colored catkin flowers that bloom during summer and autumn. Aside from that, it has egg-shaped leaves and somewhat hairy stems and branches. This plant is believed to be endemic in the regions of central, eastern, and northern America. Still, it has already been widespread throughout the temperate regions of the northern and southern hemispheres.
10. Fiddleneck (Amsinckia Lycopsoides) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae unplaced Boraginaceae Amsinckia Amsinckia lycopsoides
[9] are annual broadleaf plants that thrive in a wide range of habitats from grasslands, vineyards, and even disturbed places like roadsides.
When ingested, fiddlenecks can be toxic to livestock. Sometimes, fiddlenecks can be problematic to crop fields as they can easily outgrow the cop themselves. Fiddlenecks have very distinguishable flower heads curled like fiddlenecks (hence the name) and yellow funnel-like exotic flowers.
11. Bindweed (Convolvulus Arvensis) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Solanales Convolvulaceae Convolvulus Convolvulus arvensis
wild Morning Glory “, the bindweed[10] Convolvulus
The bindweed is easily distinguishable due to its pink trumpet-shaped exotic flowers and arrowhead-shaped leaves. The bindweed is very problematic due to a lot of reasons. The growth of bindweed is tough to control as it has an extensive root system. Another reason is that it can produce seeds that can remain viable for many years.
12. Horseweed (Erigeron Canadensis) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Asterales Asteraceae Erigeron Erigeron canadensis
Mares tail [11] “, the horseweed is a summer annual plant characterized foliage growing as rosette around a crown. This plant is widely distributed among various habitats as it can live on agricultural lands and even disturbed areas.
This plant can grow rapidly and is a strong competitor for water. It is also characterized by having daisy-like flower heads. This plant is indigenous to North America and has since then become widespread in Asia and Europe.
13. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria Majalis) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Asparagales Asparagaceae Convallaria Convallaria majalis
[12] which is a perennial herbaceous plant that is considered to be highly invasive in the regions of North America.
This plant is endemic to most regions in Europe but also occurs in some Asian countries like Japan. This plant is very toxic, so ingestion is not recommended. Usually, it costs an upset stomach and blurred vision. Its flowers are characterized by six white bracts (sometimes pink) fused to a bell-shaped structure
14. Ragweed (Ambrosia Psilostachya) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Asterales Asteraceae Ambrosia Ambrosia psilostachya
[13] is a type of plant species with rough hair (trichome) systems, and distinctive green flowers put up in small heads.
The Ragweed indigenous to North America is a plant introduced from Europe during World War I. It is characterized by staminate and pistillate flowers, which are white and purple, respectively. The Ragweed pollen is an allergen that is airborne and thus can travel distances. Its genus name Ambrosia is the Greek term for “food of the gods “.
15. Mayweed Chamomile (Anthemis Cotula) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Schizaeales Lygodiaceae Anthemis cotula Anthemis cotula
Stinking chamomile ” or “Dog fennel “, the Mayweed chamomile is living up to those names as it has a very distinctive unpleasant smell.
Despite that, this plant member of the Family Asteraceae is very attractive, with yellow disc flowers surrounded by white ray flowers. This plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean but has now dominated California, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. This plant can overgrow and is very destructive to nearby plants.
16. Caraway (Carum Carvi) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Apiales Apiaceae Lygodium Lygodium microphyllum
[14] is a biennial plant that is endemic to Europe and some parts of Asia and North Africa.
This plant is described to have hollowed branched stems, long tap roots, and yellow umbellate flowers. This plant is known to bear several medicinal properties and can be consumed as boiled (roots), used in salads and soups (leaves), and used to make breads (seeds).
17. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Asparagales Asparagaceae Asparagus Asparagus officinales
Contrary to the common belief of being a mere vegetable, this plant has bell-shaped exotic flowers that range from yellow to light greenish dioecious flowers. In Australia[15] , the invasion of asparagus has already resulted in the decline of the number of native plant species. Hence, several modes for biocontrol have already been targeted. The word “asparagus ” literally means “sprout ” or “shoot ” in Greek. This is related to the fact that asparagus is an edible shoot that grows on rhizomes in the soil.
18. Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea Maculosa) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Asterales Asteraceae Centaurea Centaurea maculosa
[16] is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia and since then has become very destructive to farmlands of the western United States.
This plant is shown to have pink to purple flowers This Spotted knapweed is a very competitive plant as its tap root can suck water up faster than its neighboring plants. In addition to that, it releases a toxin from its roots that can somehow slow down the growth of nearby plants.
19. Bull Thistle (Cirsium Vulgare) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Asterales Asteraceae Cirsium Cirsium vulgare
Cirsium vulgare is a biennial flowering plant indigenous to Asia and Europe but was imported to North America. This plant, commonly found in vacant lots and roadsides, is sometimes problematic due to its wide infestations.
Interestingly, this plant prefers disturbed areas with moist to dry soils. However, it can also dominate the forests and hinder the growth of native plants. This plant is easily recognized due to its pink magenta flower heads with deeply lobed and hairy leaves.
20. American Lotus (Nelumbo Lutea) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Proteales Nelumbonaceae Nelumbo Nelumbo lutea
The exotic flowers contain both the stamen and pistil but only blossom for a few days. Interestingly, this plant (specifically its leaves) can repel water due to its waxy properties. As an invasive[17] species, it can easily dominate the wetlands and prevent the growth of other aquatic plants.
21. Filaree (Erodium Cicutarium) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Geraniales Geraniaceae Erodium Erodium cicutarium
[18] is a low-growing flowering plant with broad foliage. Its flowers have five pink to red petals and leaves forming rosettes very close to the ground.
Interestingly, this plant is edible, which has a flavor likened to parsley when picked young. In addition to that, these exotic flowers are also good sources of honey. This plant originated from Europe and Asia and was established in North America in the 1760s.
22. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Malpighiales Hypericaceae Hypericum Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum is a flowering plant indigenous to Europe and Asia but has already been naturalized to temperate regions as an invasive species.
The name “St. John’s wort ” is derived from its blooming and harvesting season, which often occurs on St. John’s Day (June 24). The exotic flowers of this plant come in cyme inflorescence at the upper end of branches and blossom in the late spring or early summer. In medicine, the St. John’s wort is very popular for treating depression[19] .
23. Scentless Chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Asterales Asteraceae Tripleurospermum Tripleurospermum inodorum
[20] was introduced from Europe to Canada where it has become invasive.
At present, the overproliferation of the Scentless Chamomile is a widespread problem in Alberta as these plants have already dominated the roadsides and croplands. This flowering plant has distinctive finely divided leaves and numerous flowers on each flowering stem. The Scentless Chamomile is a very aggressive plant that can grow rapidly once established on the soil.
24. Timothy (Phleum Pratense) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Poales Poaceae Phleum Phleum pratense
[21] is a grass indigenous to Europe, North Africa, and Asia and was since then naturalized to different parts of America.
This plant came from Timothy Hanson, who promoted it as a pasture grass in the 18th century. It is characterized by having these exotic flowers (with pink stamen) arranged in spikes. This plant becomes very distinctive, especially during its blooming season when it produces its long narrow seed head. True to what Hanson had promoted, the Timothy is important for grazing animals like horses and sheep, and other animals as well.
25. Calla Lily (Salvinia Molesta) Kingdom Order Family Genus Species Plantae Alismatales Araceae Zantadeschia Zantadeschia aethiopica
[22] Zantadeschia aethiopica which is endemic to the regions of southern Africa. This flowering plant usually lives in cold and wet areas like ponds or riverbanks.
The central yellow flowers, which occur in a spadix, are surrounded by a white-colored spathe. However, some species of Zantedeschia also have orange or purple bracts. Despite its beauty, this flowering plant is extremely poisonous, especially when ingested.
Now, which among the mentioned exotic flowers did you find most interesting?
Cite This Page
[1] – “Exotic Plants | Horticulture and Soil Science Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[2] – “Schinus terebinthifolius – UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[3] – Exotic Species List – nps.gov. Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[4] – “Brazil Pepper. ” The Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Accessed March 25, 2017. Link .[5] – “Colubrina asiatica – UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[6] – “Portia Tree – Thespesia populnea – Details – Encyclopedia of Life” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[7] – “Alyssum alyssoides(pale alyssum):Go Botany” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[8] – “Amaranthus retroflexus (redroot pigweed)” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[9] – “Fiddlenecks (Amsinckia spp.). ” Weed Gallery: Fiddlenecks–UC IPM. Accessed March 25, 2017. Link .[10] – “Controlling Bindweed: How To Get Rid Of Bindweed” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[11] – “Weed Gallery: Horseweed–UC IPM” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[12] – “Lily of the Valley: Poisonous Landscaping Plants” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[13] – “ragweed | plant genus | Britannica.com” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[14] – “Caraway — Herbs — Penn State Extension” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[15] – “Biological control of Asparagus asparagoides may favour other exotic species ” Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[16] – “Spotted knapweed – Invasive species: Minnesota DNR” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[17] – “American Lotus – Untamed Science” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[18] – “Weed Gallery: Filarees–UC IPM” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[19] – “St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) Background – Mayo Clinic” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[20] – “Scentless Chamomile: Biology and Control” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[21] – “What Is Timothy Grass – Uses And Benefits Of Timothy Grass” . Accessed March 23, 2017. Link .[22] – “Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica). ” Heritage Garden. Accessed March 25, 2017. Link .
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